Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the Exchequer in monetary terms of supervision and substitution allowances in the secondary education sector; if the allowance is paid even if no supervision and substitution work is carried out; if the payment is considered good value for money by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47706/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The cost of the supervision and substitution scheme (S and S) for voluntary secondary and community and comprehensive schools in 2011 was €35.2 million (including employers PRSI).

Teachers appointed prior to the 1 February 2012 who participate in the S and S scheme contract to be available for 37 hours over the school year (pro rata for part time employees) to cover for supervision and substitution. Under the terms of the Croke Park agreement second level teachers participating in the scheme must be available for three time-tabled class periods per week. This was previously two class periods per week. The details are outlined in Circular 25/2011 which can be accessed on my Department's website.

The Croke Park agreement ensures that there is better utilisation of the scheme. The agreement also provides that in circumstances where a teacher is time-tabled for a class period with a group of students that are participating in an out-of-school activity which requires the absence from school of another teacher or teachers, the teacher may be reassigned, in accordance with his or her timetable to facilitate that absence.

The recent decision following the review of public service allowances and premium payments provides that any teachers appointed for the first time after 1 February 2012 and who participate in the supervision and substitution scheme in the 2012/13 school year and thereafter must contract for forty nine hours instead of thirty seven to receive the same annual payment.

School authorities are obliged to administer the scheme in accordance with the terms of my Department circulars and ensure it is utilised in the most effective and efficient manner.