Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who took a Department-sanctioned study leave to study a PHD but because of circular letter 0010/2011 in relation to career breaks and study leave, were left in a position in which they would not be able to complete their PHD studies.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31201/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Study Leave scheme previously in place provided for teachers to avail of paid leave of absence, subject to a maximum of 2 school years, in order to pursue their studies, while imposing an obligation on the teacher to re-imburse the school for the costs involved in employing a replacement teacher. It is my Department's experience that such costs imposed financial hardship on individuals on Study Leave.

In the school year 2010/2011, 13 teachers applied for paid study leave, 5 of whom applied to study for a PhD.

The provisions of the revised Career Break scheme announced in circular letter 0010/2011, which replaced the study leave scheme, allow for teachers who wish to continue their studies, or embark on other areas of personal development, to avail of an overall maximum absence of 10 years in the course of their professional career. While this leave of absence is unpaid, teachers are relieved of the financial costs attributable to the employment of their replacement as this is now borne by my Department.