Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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98. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which antenatal appointments for public servants and civil servants are categorised in the context of leave calculation and or arrangements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20684/18]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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114. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which antenatal appointments for teachers is categorised in the context of leave calculation and or arrangements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20683/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 114 together.

Chapter 4 - Maternity Protection Entitlements , Terms & Conditions of Employment for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools – Edition 2 issued by my Department details the Maternity Protection Entitlements for teachers. Paragraph 8 of Chapter 4 sets out the provisions as regards time off for ante/post-natal care appointments and attendance at ante-natal classes and states:

"8.1 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 3 classes in such a set, and

(c) attend medical appointments related to post-natal care within 14 weeks of the birth.

8.2 If a pregnant teacher misses particular ante-natal classes in a set then it is permitted that during a subsequent pregnancy, or pregnancies, she may attend classes equivalent to those missed.

8.3 An expectant father is entitled to time off work, without loss of pay, to attend the last two ante-natal classes in a set attended by the pregnant mother."

These terms and conditions have been agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council, a body established in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers. The Council is composed of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.