Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

132. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary teachers who have been absent from work as a result of an assault, for each of the past four years; the number, each year, who have availed of assault leave; the records that are maintained by her Department regarding assaults and assault leave; if she will confirm that teachers who are obliged to take leave following an assault do not have to take this as illness leave under the illness leave provisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15895/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current sick leave scheme provides for sick leave to be granted to a teacher who is unable to perform his/her duties because of illness or injury. The terms of the sick leave scheme are contained in Department Circular 0059/2014 Sick Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools.

Department Circular 40/97, Assaults on Teachers/School Employees, outlines the policy to be adopted in primary schools where incidents of assault arise. This includes compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as regards identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting in place appropriate safeguards and preventative measures. The Circular also provides for an application for assault leave to be made to my Department. Where Assault Leave is granted, such leave is paid in full and does not form part of the teacher's sick leave record. As responsibility for dealing with cases of assaults against teachers rests with the Board of Management, such cases may not come to the attention of my Department, except where an application is received for assault leave. Figures relating to the number of primary teachers who have availed of assault leave each year for the past four years are being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy separately.