Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 643: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if teachers employed under a contract of indefinite duration are entitled to a career break. [27255/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Details of the career break scheme are set out in my Department circular letters 22/99 for Post-Primary teachers and 10/03 for primary teachers. Contract of indefinite duration teachers shall have access to the career break scheme on the same basis as permanent teachers within their sector. As is the case with permanent teachers, applicants for the scheme will have their applications assessed and approved by the managerial authority. In this regard, the managerial authorities are required to develop a policy for granting career breaks specific to the needs of the particular school/scheme. In developing a policy the managerial authorities will take account of the objectives of the scheme including due regard to the exigencies of permitting a number of career breaks from the same school at the one time. The welfare and educational needs of the pupils will take precedence over all other considerations when considering applications under this scheme.