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Sick Pay Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2019

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

Questions (122)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

122. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) will be cleared to return to teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48000/19]

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Written answers

The provisions of the Sick Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools are contained in my Department’s Circular Letter 0054/2019 which issued on 01 September 2019 and is published on my Department's website.

The granting of Sick Leave to a teacher who is ill is intended to provide an adequate opportunity for that teacher to recover from the illness and its’ effects so that he/she may make an early return to duty without a likelihood of a relapse into illness.

Employers have a duty under Section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees”.  In order to discharge their management responsibilities effectively, it is essential that employers have access to professional occupational health advice on medical fitness for work. An Occupational Health Service (OHS) is in place to provide employers with occupational health advice in relation to teachers’ fitness for work. 

The teacher referred to by the Deputy is in permanent employment and is currently on paid sick leave.  His employer has made a referral to the OHS for an independent medical assessment on the teachers’ fitness for work in accordance with the terms of the Sick leave Scheme. 

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