Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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478. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the rights of pregnant education and training boards teachers to attend medical appointments during the length of their pregnancy; if such visits are considered sick days under the terms of their employment by the ETB; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44224/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Circular Letter 009/2013 issued by my Department outlines the procedures regarding Maternity Protection Entitlements for eligible registered teachers employed in recognised Primary, Secondary, Community, Comprehensive and Education and Training Board schools.

In accordance with Paragraphs 10.1 and 10.2 of the circular, pregnant teachers are entitled to time off work, without loss of pay, to: (a) attend medical appointments related to ante-natal care; (b) attend one set of ante-natal classes in a working career, other than the last three classes in such a set; and (c) attend medical appointments related to post-natal care within 14 weeks of the birth.

Attendance at such appointments is not regarded as sick leave.