Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm details of the announcement made by him on 12 December 2008 in respect of primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47461/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As a result of the 2009 Budget provisions for Education, arising from current economic challenges and following subsequent proposals from the management bodies of primary schools, new arrangements are being put into place for substitution cover for uncertified sick leave for teachers in primary schools.

In primary schools there will be substitute cover for teachers on uncertified sick leave other than on the first day of absence. In a school where more than one teacher is absent on the first day of uncertified sick leave, substitute cover will be provided for the second and subsequent teachers that are absent. In schools with two teachers or less cover will be provided where any classroom teacher is absent. A circular outlining the full details is being drafted within my Department at present.

Substitution cover will continue to be provided for all other categories of absences currently available such as certified sick leave and maternity leave.

In the period until the end of the school year, there will be a full review of the substitution and supervision scheme and related matters in conjunction with the school management bodies and teacher unions with a view to making up the additional expenditure and thereby ensuring that the budgetary parameters are met.