Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to his Department of Medmark4teachers for each of the years 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department put in place an Occupational Health Strategy as a supportive resource for teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs), to promote their health in the workplace, with a focus primarily on prevention rather than cure. The Occupational Health Strategy comprises of the Employee Assistance and Occupational Health Services and caters for about 64,000 Teachers and 10,000 Special Needs Assistants in 4,000 Primary and Post Primary schools.

Medmark Occupational Healthcare is the current provider of occupational health services for teachers and SNAs. The Occupational Health Service encompasses health management and incorporates pre-employment health assessments, sickness absence management referrals, medical assessments of fitness for work and ill health retirement assessments and appeals.

School authorities have responsibilities for ensuring the health, safety, well-being and educational progress of students. They also have a duty under Section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to "ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees". In order to discharge these management responsibilities effectively, it is essential that employers have access to professional occupational health advice on medical fitness. The Occupational Health Service is in place to assist employers and employees in the timely management of medical problems that arise in the context of work.

The cost of occupational health services was €955,300.00 per annum for 2011 and 2012 and €935,000.00 for 2013 exclusive of VAT.