Vol. 493 No. 3
471 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of teachers at second level who were absent during the summer term; the total number of days of absence; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of the system for substituting them. [16068/98]
The authorities of second level schools may appoint substitutes for teachers who are absent for any of the following reasons: jury service, paid maternity leave, certified sick leave, paid study leave, short-term secondment, incareer training, in certain circumstances, or examining at the oral/practical elements of the certificate examinations. I am satisfied that in general the system of substitution is working satisfactorily. Details of the number of second level teachers who were absent during the summer term and the number of days involved are not readily available in the absence of a detailed analysis of significant numbers of substitution claims.
