Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
279. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if enforced absences of teachers due to children going into isolation has been factored into allowed absences under the sickness absences circular; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this may not have been adequately factored in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30258/20]
View answerThe current COVID-19 arrangements in place for teachers are outlined in my Department’s Circular Letter 0049/2020.
Based on the current HSE advice, a person who must care for a child who is required to self-isolate due to COVID-19, must restrict their movements during the 10 day period of the child’s self-isolation and also for a further 7 days after the child’s period of self-isolation ends. During this 17 day period of restricted movement, the teacher must not attend the workplace. The employer will facilitate alternative working arrangements to the maximum extent possible e.g. working from home, during this period.
