Vol. 517 No. 3
287 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has issued a notification to teachers teaching in Third World missions, who have completed a five year career break, that they must come back or tender a letter of resignation; and if this is consistent with our declared policy of support to education initiatives in the Third World. [9730/00]
The revised career break scheme for second level teachers will come into effect from the beginning of the 2000-01 school year. The terms of the revised scheme, which were agreed by representatives of teachers, school management and my Department, provide for a maximum career break of five years.
The career break scheme is a centrally negotiated one and is of general application to all teachers. It would not be appropriate to vary the terms of the scheme in individual cases on a unilateral basis. Notwithstanding this I will raise the issue of third world missions with the education partners.
