Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
282. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 674 of 11 September 2023, if she will ensure that parental leave is included in the calculation of pensionable service for the purpose of the 55/35-year threshold, given that this system discriminates against mothers, as they are more likely to avail of parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39779/23]
View answerThe Parental Leave Scheme is regulated by the Parental Leave Act 1998, as amended. Parental leave is a period of statutory unpaid leave available to teachers for the purpose of caring for their child.
My Department’s Circular Letter 0054/2019, Chapter 5 , sets out the details of the Parental Leave Scheme for registered teachers employed in recognised primary and post primary schools. Please refer to Paragraph 9:
Status during Parental Leave
9.1 A teacher on Parental Leave is deemed for all purposes to be in employment at that time with the exception of remuneration and superannuation. Parental Leave is fully reckonable for seniority and progression on the incremental salary scale.
The relevant legislation makes no provision to include periods of Parental Leave for the purposes of superannuation.
