Teaching Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Questions (916)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

916. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills why her Department does not allow a partial day's leave to be recorded for teachers who require time off from the classroom, and instead requires that they be recorded as absent for the full day; the cost of this rule; the number of days of unnecessary disruption it causes to students; her plans to change the system to allow for partial days' leave due to sickness or hospital appointments to be recorded as such; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37229/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The current sick leave scheme for teachers provides for sick leave to be granted to a teacher who is unable to perform his/her duties because of illness or injury. The terms of the sick leave scheme are contained in my Department's Circular 0053/2015 Sick Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools.

The circular was agreed under the auspices of the Teacher's Conciliation Council (TCC), a body established in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission.

The issue raised by the Deputy has been discussed at TCC with a view to reaching agreement. Once agreed at TCC my Department will amend the relevant circular.