Cathal Crowe
Ceist:564. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she is considering making changes to Circular 0054/2019, which governs parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48765/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
564. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she is considering making changes to Circular 0054/2019, which governs parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48765/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department’s Circular Letter 0054/2019 titled ‘Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools’ details the agreed terms and conditions for the main leave types currently available to teachers.
Leave entitlements for public servants, including teachers, are determined by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. Under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998, the Minister for Education, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, is authorised to determine the terms and conditions of employment for teachers employed in approved teaching posts funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas.
Any changes to the current leave provisions available to teachers requires consultation with the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC). The TCC forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and the Department of Education. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
Education stakeholders will be notified of any amendments to the leave schemes contained in Circular Letter 0054/2019.