Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 6

Written Answers. - Overnight Subsistance Expenses.

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

116 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that teachers on in-service courses for new programmes being introduced into second-level schools, such as the leaving certificate vocational programme, receive £12.07 to cover overnight subsistence expenses; her views on whether this rate is sufficient to cover overnight subsistence expenses; and the proposals, if any, she has to introduce a more realistic rate. [18722/95]

Mary Coughlan

Ceist:

128 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education her views on whether it is adequate to pay second-level teachers an overnight allowance of £12; if she is considering increasing the allowance to a more realistic level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18784/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 116 and 128 together.

Post-primary teachers who reside away from home while attending an in-service course may be paid an overnight subsistence allowance of £19.91 in the case of block release courses in remedial education and £12.07 in the case of other courses. Lunch may also be provided at certain in-service courses. Travel allowances are also paid.

Since it was first introduced in the early 1970s, the overnight allowance payable was intended as a contribution towards post-primary teachers' expenses when participating in in-service. The allowance has been increased on a number of occasions over the years. The adequacy of the amount of the allowance has been raised with my Department and is currently being considered.