asked the Minister for Education what plans he has to give sabbatical leave to post-primary teachers for approved courses of study.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Leave.
23.
Arrangements have for long been in operation under which special leave may be granted to post-primary teachers to attend courses of study approved by my Department provided that the teacher's employer is prepared to release him and that satisfactory arrangements are made for the instruction of the classes of the teacher concerned.
Would the Minister say how many cases each year arise out of this?
No, I am afraid I have not got that information, but to give the Deputy a little more information on it: the normal practice of the Department is to grant leave of absence with full pay to a whole-time post-primary teacher to attend an approved course of study if it is clearly necessary and desirable in the interest of the pupils that the teacher should possess the additional qualification which the course offers. If the course is of brief duration, for example, a work study or management course lasting, say, a month, it is not normally required that the teacher pay a qualified substitute.
Could the Minister say whether the same provision is made for sabbatical leave for teachers undertaking research?
I have not got that information.
It is not in the question so I cannot blame the Minister. I will put down another question on it.