Michael Creed
Question:213 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education whether there are any precedents established within her Department for the granting of career breaks from teaching in excess of five years. [22630/96]
Written Answers. - Career Breaks.
It is the policy of my Department not to approve career breaks for teachers at primary and second level beyond the maximum of five years as provided for in the agreed scheme for career breaks for teachers.
In a very small number of cases, however, additional leave of absence without pay has been approved for very limited periods immediately following a career break where the maximum period of five years had been exhausted, and solely on exceptional compassionate grounds. Such compassionate leave would not exceed one school year in these circumstances.