James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when changes affecting the amount of substitution work a teacher can complete while serving a career break will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12277/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In response to issues raised in relation to teacher supply, my Department issued notification to School Managerial Authorities on 26 January 2018, that it was suspending the restrictions that applied to the employment of teachers in a substitute capacity whilst on Career Break, with immediate effect, for the remainder of the current school year.

Prior to this decision the limits for substitute teaching as set out in Chapter Eight of the “Terms & Conditions of Employment for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools” were 90 days in Primary Schools and 300 hours in Post Primary Schools.

The notification also reminded employers that “in considering applications for Career Breaks, the welfare and educational needs of the pupils shall take precedence over all other considerations and accordingly, must take account of the availability of appropriate qualified replacement teachers”.