asked the Minister for Education if, in view of increased class sizes at primary level and growing unemployment among trained teachers, she will urgently review the refusal of her Department to allow substitute teachers for teachers who are ill for up to three days or who are on marriage or compassionate leave for five days.
Written Answers. - Substitute Teachers.
32.
The arrangements approved in connection with the absence of primary teachers are governed by general regulations in operation for some years which may be reviewed from time to time at the request of the managerial and teacher interests.
In the case of illness of three days or less, the regulations provide that the cost of a substitute may be recouped, if a medical certificate is furnished. There are no provisions for recoupment of payment of a substitute where absence on marriage or compassionate leave with pay is allowed for five days or less.
In view of financial implications there are no plans at present to extend the scope of the regulations governing the recoupment of substitutes.