Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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892. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the Deputies and Senators who currently have teaching positions held open for them in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41505/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Circular Letter 10/2011 issued by my Department outlines the procedures regarding the career break scheme for registered teachers in recognised primary and post primary schools. The main objectives of this scheme is for managerial authorities of schools,wherever possible to facilitate applicants in the areas of personal development, voluntary service overseas, accompany spouse/partner on diplomatic/ military posting, education, public representation, childcare/dependent care and self-employment.

In accordance with the circular a teacher seeking a career break for the purpose of public representation must submit a written application to the managerial authority of his/her school and the managerial authority must issue a written notice of approval or refusal to the teacher. Such applications are not received by my Department.

While the managerial authorities of Primary, Voluntary Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools submit notice of career break approvals to my Department via the On Line Claims System, this system does not have a facility to record the reason for the career break.

In addition the number of applications approved by the Education and Training Board sector are not submitted to my Department so therefore the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department.