Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 6

Written Answers. - Primary Teachers Special Leave.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

132 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the personnel policy thinking within his Department which provides for the authorisation of five days personal leave to primary teachers who, during their paid summer holidays, spend three weeks teaching in Coláistí Samhraidh na Gaeilge when they are on holiday pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter having regard to the fact that the five days personal leave amounts to a reduction, by one week, in the school year for pupils who are under the responsibility of such teachers.

Minister for Education (Mr. Davern)

The provision of extra personal leave for primary teachers who teach in Coláistí Samhraidh na Gaeilge during their summer holidays has been a long established policy within the Department.

Support for Coláistí Samhraidh na Gaeilge forms an integral part of the Department's policy in furthering the Irish Language and the provision of five days extra personal vacation is to encourage primary teachers to participate in the teaching of Irish to pupils attending the courses in these colleges.

I wish to point out that provision for extra personal vacation for attendance at courses is a long-standing feature of the Rules for National Schools. The leave in question is not always taken consecutively and must have the approval of the board of management. The pupils in question continue to attend school in these circumstances.