Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 4

Written Answers. - Teacher In-service Courses.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

141 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the expenses she is paying to teachers attending in-service courses; her views on whether these amounts are adequate; and if she envisages increasing these rates.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

In the case of primary schools, Department organised in-service courses are provided free of charge and teachers are not paid expenses to attend such courses or other in-service courses. Teachers who attend in-service summer courses are entitled to up to three days extra personal vacation in the following school year.

In the case of second level teachers revised rates of expenses for attendance at in-service courses organised by my Department were introduced with effect from 1 January 1991. The new rates are as follows:

Subsistence allowance per night:

Block release courses in Remedial Education: £19.91; Other courses: £12.07.

Travel allowance

Payable at the lowest bus or train rate. If public transport is not available, 21p per mile is payable as a car allowance. In addition, teachers attending the one-day junior certificate courses are provided with a midday meal.

A circular announcing the new travel and subsistence rates is being issued to schools at present and I am arranging for a copy to be sent to the Deputy.