Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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271. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the sick leave entitlements of an employee of an education and training board in the event of a workplace accident; if the entitlements are restricted to 92 days on full pay and 91 days on half pay, and the one-year rolling rule, with a review over four years, dual look back; if the leave is ring-fenced, as is the case in many other Government bodies and Departments so as not to affect the employees sick leave record or future entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21042/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The current sick leave scheme provides that sick leave may be granted by an employer 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 my Department's Circular 0053/2015 Sick Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools and provides for the following:

- A maximum of 3 months (92 days) on full pay in a year

- Followed by a maximum of 3 months (91 days) on half pay

- Subject to a maximum of 6 months (183 days) paid sick leave in a rolling four year period.

A teacher who becomes incapacitated as a result of a critical illness or serious physical injury may be granted extended paid sick leave, in exceptional circumstances of:

- A maximum of 6 months (183 days) on full pay in a year

- Followed by a maximum of 6 months (182 days) on half pay

- Subject to a maximum of 12 months (365 days) paid sick leave in a rolling four year period.

Where the relevant period of paid sick leave has been exhausted, a teacher with a minimum of 5 years' service at the end of the period of paid sick leave may, subject to certain conditions, be granted further leave with Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR).

The circular was agreed under the auspices of the Teacher's Conciliation Council (TCC), a body established in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.

My Department's Circular Letter M18/99 outlines the policy to be adopted in schools where incidents of assaults on teachers occur. This policy 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 does not form part of the teacher's sick leave record.