Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 595: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 474 of 29 October 2008, the breakdown of the overall sum spent on substitution cover; if the €28 million referred to in the question spent on uncertified sick leave is included in this figure; if he will explain his position as outlined in a newspaper article (details supplied); if he will clarify if the reply given in Parliamentary Question No. 474 is correct or incorrect in view of this newspaper article; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39209/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In the 2007/2008 school year the overall cost of substitution cover in primary and all second level schools is estimated at €183 million.

The breakdown is as follows: Uncertified sick leave — €17 million, Certified sick leave — €45 million, Official school business Post Primary only — €13.0 million, Maternity and related leave — €65 million, Release time Primary only — €5 million, Other leave — €38 million.

Examples of other leave absences covered by substitution include force majeure, in service and bereavement of family members.

In the 2007/2008 school year 362,923 days substitute cover for teachers at primary level were provided. 28.9% of these days related to certified sick leave and 11% related to uncertified sick leave. In the same school year, 245,399 days substitute cover for teachers in Secondary and Community/Comprehensive schools were provided. 25.2 % of these days related to certified sick leave and 11.3% related to uncertified sick leave.

It is also estimated that 137,423 days substitution cover were provided for teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees and that similar percentages to those applicable in the Secondary and Community/ Comprehensive sectors applied in relation to sick leave.

In relation to the newspaper article, the total number of days and the associated total costs referred to were for all substitute cover in primary, Secondary and Community/ Comprehensive schools.