Denis Naughten
Question:311 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if all schools now have uniform annual leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11135/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
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Written answers
In line with the requirements of Sustaining Progress agreement has been reached between the parties to the teachers' conciliation council on the standardisation of the breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term in the first and second terms.
The agreement reached covers the arrangements that will apply in all schools from the start of the 2004-05 school year and covers four school years. The parties will review the operation of the arrangements not later than spring of 2007 for the purpose of agreeing the arrangements that will apply subsequently and have agreed that in the event that any unforeseen difficulty arises in relation to the operation of the arrangements now agreed the matter can be raised at the teachers' conciliation council.
The arrangements are agreed without prejudice to closure on specific days within the overall requirement of 167 days at post-primary level and 183 days at primary level dictated by religious observance that is required in school under the patronage of different denominations or faiths. Details of the agreed arrangements are outlined in circular letter 21/04, which is available on my Department's website.