Workplace Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2015

Thursday, 18 June 2015

Ceisteanna (233)

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

233. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views that in certain school settings, particularly those where students have behavioural difficulties, sometimes teachers and other staff sustain injuries arising from work place assaults; if she will amend the regulation of sick leave to take this into account, ensuring that teachers and other staff do not experience reduced income arising from such assaults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24227/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The current sick leave scheme for teachers provides for sick leave to be granted to a teacher who is unable to perform his/her duties because of illness or injury. The terms of the sick leave scheme are contained in my Department's Circular 0059/2014 Sick Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools.

My Department's Circular Letters 40/97 and M18/99 outline the policy to be adopted in schools where incidents of assaults on teachers occur. This policy includes compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as regards identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting in place appropriate safeguards and preventative measures. The Circulars also provide for an application for assault leave to be made to my Department. Where Assault Leave is granted, such leave is paid in full and does not form part of the teacher's sick leave record.