asked the Minister for Education if he will outline Departmental policy in relation to the granting of time-off for teachers, lecturers, etc, from their school or college duties, to allow them to attend meetings of any public body to which they are elected; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Leave for Public Representatives .
15.
: In the case of primary or post-primary teachers who are members of An tOireachtas, leave of absence from teaching duties may be granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) the teacher member of An tOireachtas to be paid his full salary and emoluments as a teacher; (b) a fully-qualified replacement teacher to be appointed and paid salary in the normal way; (c) the teacher member of An tOireachtas to refund, (i) the total of salary and emoluments payable to the replacement teacher with the appropriate superannuation contribution and (ii) in the case of a principal teacher or other teacher in receipt of special allowance, to repay also the amount of this allowance which would be paid to the deputy principal or the person appointed to the vacated grade post.
In the case of teachers who are members of local authorities, leave of absence with pay may be allowed to them to attend meetings of such authorities or of sub-committees concerned with educational matters established under local authorities on the following conditions:
(a) that the prior permission of the managerial authorities has been obtained; (b) that the number of absences in any school year shall not exceed ten, and (c) that suitable arrangements are made for the conduct of the teacher's classes and other duties during his or her absence.
The limit of ten absences does not apply in the case of meetings of school attendance committees. For meetings of sub-committees which are not concerned with educational matters, leave of absence without pay may be allowed.
In the case of universities and other designated institutions of higher education, the granting of time off for staff to allow them attend meetings of public bodies is a matter for the authorities of the institutions concerned.
: The Minister used the word "may"— time off may be allowed. I would like to think that the Minister would be in favour of participation by teachers in all forms of public life such as county councils. Will the Minister assure the House that every facility will be afforded to teachers to attend meetings of councils and sub-committees of councils? Does the Minister agree that some teachers do not enjoy this facility at present?
: My reply outlines the attitude of my Department to the members concerned. It is a liberal attitude and I would not read any particular significance into the use of the word "may" because, in making the general statement, the word "may" has to be used because of conditions that are laid down later in the reply.
: It appears from the reply that a liberal attitude is not taken by some educational authorities in allowing time off for teachers who are elected representatives. I should like an assurance from the Minister that where this is the case he will take immediate steps to ensure that such people are allowed every opportunity to attend all meetings, council or sub-committee meetings.
: The Deputy can be assured that it is my wish that teachers who are elected representatives will be facilitated in every way.
: The Minister should tell that to the officials of his Department.
: I believe they know it.