Vol. 521 No. 5
155 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will, as an exceptional measure, agree to the request by the principal of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11, in view of the fact that the decision to accede would only involve paying a teacher the difference between a temporary and substitute rate of pay for approximately six weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/00]
Substitute teachers are employed when a teacher is absent on paid sick leave or maternity leave. Temporary teachers are employed when a teacher takes unpaid leave of absence.
The issue in relation to the teacher in question is not merely the difference in payment to her between a temporary and substitute teacher. An exception made in this case would have greater implications financially as a precedent would then be set in respect of other similar circumstances.
Unfortunately, I cannot make an exception in the case of this teacher.
