Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure or policy for a person (details supplied) that cannot return to the workplace due to the high risk of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25724/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The general principles to apply to the management of COVID-19 includes the safety and welfare of employees and the minimisation of the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning.

The current COVID-19 arrangements in place for teachers are outlined in my Department’s Circular Letter 0049/2020.

The Circular outlines that special leave with pay may be granted to teachers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are recommended to self-isolate. In addition the Circular allows for a teacher who is very high risk of serious illness, from contracting COVID-19, to be facilitated with alternative working arrangements e.g. working from home. In such circumstances a substitute teacher may be appointed.

In relation to staff required to attend school, including those living with high risk individuals, schools are required to put in place a Covid-19 Response Plan which should ensure that all appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place for the protection of staff in the school.

As regards Parental Leave the details of the Parental Leave Scheme, available to teachers, is set out in my Department’s Circular Letter 0054/2019. The purpose of the Parental Leave Scheme is to allow a teacher a period of unpaid leave to care for his/her child.