My Department may grant special leave under the terms of Rule 116 of the rules for national schools to enable permanent teachers attend a course of study for a minimum duration of one academic year. Before such leave can be granted, the applicant must have received the approval of his-her board of management, and my Department must be satisfied that the course involved is demonstrably relevant to teaching in the primary sector. My Department continues to pay the salary of the teacher, but the employment and payment of a fully qualified substitute teacher for the duration of the course is the responsibility of the applicant.
My Department also grants special leave to practising remedial teachers who attend approved remedial courses held annually in six different centres. Such teachers are allowed leave of absence as necessary to facilitate their attendance at these courses.
Teachers who are involved in teaching in special schools or classes, and resource teachers for pupils with special needs, may be granted leave of absence to attend a one year diploma in special education in St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, which has been validated by my Department. These teachers are paid salary for the duration of the course and my Department funds the cost of substitution.
Since the course of study referred to by the Deputy has not been submitted for validation by my Department, I am not in a position to comment on its content, or on its value to the pupils of those who undertake the course. Neither can my Department grant continuation of salary payments and the cost of substitution as requested by the Deputy. However, it is open to teachers who wish to undertake this course to make application through their board of management under the terms of rule 116 as outlined above.
