Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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191. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to introduce cover particularly in special needs schools (details supplied) where a teacher's absence is not covered by a substitute teacher that is first day of uncertified sick leave and family leave, which results in the pupils in classes being divided out among the remaining teachers who already have a full class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39538/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The terms of the supervision and substitution arrangements for primary and second level schools were revised under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (Haddington Road Agreement). Under the terms with effect from the beginning of the 2013/14 school year, each teacher is required to provide 43 hours supervision and substitution per annum. This includes providing substitution cover for all uncertified sick leave absences and the first day of illness in family leave. The full terms of the arrangements are outlined in Circular 33/2013. It is a matter for the managerial authority of each school to implement these arrangements.

Teachers absent on certified sick leave should submit medical certification documentation to the managerial authority for their absences. If medical certification is submitted the managerial authority can employ a substitute teacher to cover the certified absence. The substitute teacher employed to cover certified sick leave absences in primary, voluntary secondary and community/comprehensive schools are paid by my Department. Substitute teachers employed in Education and Training Board schools are paid by the ETBs.