Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
980. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if she will reinstate extended Covid leave with pay for teachers who contracted long-Covid from working in a Covid-19 exposed environment such as special education teachers working with unmasked children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43750/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27th May 2022, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) published updated ‘Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 ‘. The DPER Guidance and FAQs apply to all civil and public service employees. My Department’s Circular Letter 0038/2022 titled ‘COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated Working Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary schools’ published on 8th June 2022 reflects this DPER directive.
From 1st July 2022, the COVID-19 Special Leave with Pay entitlement for school employees has changed. The maximum Special Leave With Pay entitlement is 7 consecutive days in any one instance, which is the current HSE stated self-isolation period. The terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme will apply where an employee remains medically unfit for work immediately after the 7-day Special Leave With Pay period.
