Vol. 487 No. 2
137 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason secondary school teachers can go on a cultural or educational trip without losing any benefits, while primary school teachers lose their pay and it is seen as a break in their service contract for pension and incremental purposes. [3726/98]
An application from a teacher for paid leave of absence to participate on a cultural or educational trip is examined on its own merits. In general, my Department does not allow paid leave of absence to teachers to participate in such trips unless the applicant can prove that the trip in question has clear educational benefits or ambassadorial relevance.
I am not aware of any secondary teacher having been granted paid leave to participate in a trip of this nature. However, I would emphasise that there can be substantial differences in the range and scope of such trips.
