Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Browne for raising this matter as it affords me an opportunity to advise the House on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.

In the case of a primary teacher who has attended an approved course between the period 1 July to 31 August, personal leave may be taken in the following school year subject to the approval of the board of management. Attendance at certain evening courses outside of the period 1 July to 31 August may also qualify for extra personal vacation, EPV, days. Courses are approved by the Department of Education and Science and must be of sound educational value to the participants. The courses funded by the Department include those run by a network of education centres and the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO. A number of priorities are identified each year for such courses, which mainly relate to changes in the primary school curriculum, pedagogical skills or changes in the teaching approach. The prior approval of the board of management must be sought before EPV days can be taken.

A total of 93% of teachers who qualified for EPV days in the 2005-06 school year attended one approved course for five to eight days during the summer of 2005. As Senator Browne noted, this course allowed them to avail of three EPV days each. As for the question raised by the Senator, there are no plans at present either to change the current practice or to allow substitute cover for EPV days.

I thank the Senator again for giving me the opportunity to outline the position regarding extra personal vacation days to the House.