I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 to 95, inclusive, together.
Details of absences and substitution are not available in the format requested by the Deputy. Figures for absences are not held on a monthly basis or on a county basis. Absences are entered by individual school authorities for each payroll period and submitted online to my Department databases. The absences include absences on all types of leave such as paid and unpaid maternity, leave in lieu of maternity leave, sick leave, bereavement leave etc.
There were 8,519 absences of less than 6 days and 2,687 absences of 6 or more days in the primary sector for the period 28th August to 10 October . In that time 3,393 individual primary substitutes were paid the qualified rate and 928 individual substitutes were paid at the unqualified rate. 140 retired teachers were employed during that period. Substitute teachers may be qualified but awaiting confirmation of registration with the Teaching Council and until registration is finalised, teachers are regarded as unqualified for payroll purposes.
There were 5,408 absences of less than 6 days and 1,246 absences of 6 days or more in the post primary sector for the period 4th September to 1st October 2012.
949 individual post primary substitutes were employed during the period 4th September to 1st October 2012. 31 retired teachers were also employed during that period. It is not possible at this time to give a breakdown of qualified and unqualified substitutes in the post primary sector until changes indicated in the review of allowances are completed. In common with the primary sector, teachers may be qualified but awaiting confirmation of registration with the Teaching Council and until registration is finalised, teachers are regarded as unqualified for payroll purposes.