Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
239. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if she intends to reverse the cuts which cease substitution cover arrangements for short-term Covid-19 absences of teachers and SNAs in primary schools. [45296/22]
View answerMy Department’s Circular Letter 0038/2022 details the current COVID-19 working arrangements for teachers and SNAs employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary schools. This Circular is based on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s (DPER’s) ‘Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19.
Based on HSE advice, a person who begins to display COVID-19 symptoms or who has received a positive antigen/PCR test result must self-isolate and cannot attend the workplace. On this basis, COVID-19 Special Leave With Pay is available to a teacher or SNA who (a) begins to display COVID-19 symptoms or (b) receives a positive COVID-19 PCR/antigen test result. The current entitlement is 7 consecutive days in any one instance, which is the current HSE stated self-isolation period. Where a teacher or SNA has been granted COVID-19 Special Leave With Pay, the employer may appoint a substitute, paid by my Department. The terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme will apply where a teacher or SNA remains medically unfit for work immediately after the 7-day Special Leave With Pay period.
There are no other circumstances relating to COVID-19, where a teacher or SNA is required to absent themselves from the workplace. The arrangements relating to the application of COVID-19 Special Leave With Pay are temporary and will be kept under regular review by DPER.
