Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 1

Written Answers - School Supervision.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

349 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has taken advice to ensure that new guidelines prepared by his Department relating to supervision and substitution duties in schools are in accordance with current guidelines for maternity leave; if these guidelines will not discriminate against teachers on maternity leave; the advice he has received on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5702/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The scheme to which the Deputy refers is voluntary and based on availability and payment on delivery of service. If a teacher is not available to deliver on the contract for additional work i.e. is absent on sick leave or maternity leave or for other reasons, then payment will not be made in respect of the period of absence. Absences on sick leave or maternity leave do not constitute a break in pensionable commitment for purposes of the scheme.