Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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301. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale for the exclusion of mental injury which may arise as a result of an assault for the leave of absence following assault scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18902/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault for registered teachers and the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) employed in recognised primary and post-primary schools were introduced on 01 September 2017 following discussions with the relevant Trade Unions and School Management bodies.  The provisions of the schemes are contained in Department Circular Letters 0061/2017 and 0062/2017 respectively.

Under the agreed provisions, an  ‘Assault’ is defined as physical contact from a third party causing physical injury to a teacher/SNA in the course of their duties and during approved school activities.

Sick Leave may be granted to a teacher or SNA who is unable to perform his/her duties because of illness or injury.

The Schemes for Leave of Absence following Assault were introduced on a pilot basis for 2 school years.