Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 April 2014
81. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the changes to sick leave arrangements for teachers which commence in September 2014 will include the facility to review on a case-by-case basis, making exceptions where necessary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15499/14]
View answerFollowing a review of sick leave arrangements and binding Labour Court Recommendation No. LCR20335, Regulations for a new Public Service wide Sick Leave Scheme came into operation on 31st March 2014. However, in so far as they relate to teachers, these Regulations will come into operation on 01 September 2014.
My Department is currently preparing a detailed consolidated circular letter for schools which will outline how the new regulations will operate for teachers. As is normal practice the detail of the scheme will be placed before the Teachers Conciliation Council a body established in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers. The Council is composed of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission.
Regarding the case referred to by the Deputy the position is that where a teacher has commenced a period of sick leave prior to 1 September 2014 and sick leave continues after that date, he/she will continue to avail of the current sick leave arrangements for teachers for that absence. On resumption of duties after 1st September, any future sick leave absence will be dealt with under the terms of the revised sick leave scheme.
