Local Authorities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2021

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

Questions (145)

Peter Burke

Question:

145. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education if employees of education and training boards who are members of public bodies or local authorities have access to leave to attend county council meetings, in a similar way that teachers are allowed ten days leave for such purposes when meetings fall outside school hours; if her Department will review this in order to promote diversity and inclusivity among members of local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33668/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

There is no specific leave allowance for employees (other than teachers) of Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in respect of their attendance at county council meetings.

My Department has recently received a claim for leave for ETB employees relating to their membership and attendance at meetings of public bodies. The claim has been submitted to the ETB Industrial Relations Forum by unions representing ETB employees and will be examined by my Department under the relevant industrial relations processes and mechanisms.