Vol. 519 No. 1
160 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in approving career breaks for secondary school teachers; the reason applications lodged cannot be approved this summer; if his attention has been drawn to the problems it causes with timetabling and recruitment when such applications are not approved until September; and if he will now approve an application for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [13225/00]
The decision as to whether an application from a secondary school teacher for a career break should be granted is a matter in the first instance for the authorities of the school concerned. The closing date for receipt of such applications is 1 March prior to the commencement of the school year in which the teacher wishes to go on career break.
Where the school authorities approve an application for a career break, the school may appoint a temporary replacement for the teacher concerned if the school is within quota. If the school is over quota, the school authorities must apply to my Department for permission to appoint a replacement teacher. Each such case is considered on its merits and the school authorities are advised of the decision as speedily as possible.
I understand that the application for a career break submitted by the teacher referred to by the Deputy has been turned down by the board of management of the school concerned.
