Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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510. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will cover the cost of first substitution days in secondary schools, as previously, given the financial and staffing impact the current system is having on schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42573/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Supervision and Substitution scheme in schools was amended under the terms of the Haddington Road Agreement. Since the commencement of the 2013/14 school year, participation in the scheme is compulsory for all teachers. The annual hours requirement for S&S duties has been increased to 43 hours and enhanced operational flexibilities have been introduced. The allowance that was previously payable for participation in the S&S scheme was discontinued. A limited opt-out from the scheme was made available and those teachers who opted out have an additional reduction applied to their salary on an ongoing basis until retirement. In addition to existing usage, the S&S scheme is now being used to cover all self-certified sick leave absences and the first day of force majeure leave and illness in family leave.