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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Ceisteanna (358)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

358. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will extend teacher illness of a family member leave during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31505/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The general principles to apply to the management of COVID-19 includes the safety and welfare of employees and the minimisation of the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning.

The current COVID-19 arrangements in place for teachers are outlined in my Department’s Circular Letter 0049/2020.

The Circular outlines that special leave with pay may be granted to teachers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are recommended to self-isolate.

In addition, the Circular caters for teachers who are advised to restrict their movements where they are a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case or live with a person who has COVID-19 symptoms, or those teachers at very high risk of serious illness from contracting COVID-19. As these categories of teachers cannot attend the workplace, they are facilitated with alternative working arrangements to the maximum extent possible e.g. working from home.

Based on the current HSE advice, a person who must care for a child who is required to self-isolate due to COVID-19, must restrict their movements during the 10 day period of the child’s self-isolation and also for a further 7 days after the child’s period of self-isolation ends. During this 17 day period of restricted movement, the teacher must not attend the workplace. The employer will facilitate alternative working arrangements to the maximum extent possible e.g. working from home, during this period.

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