Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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342. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will amend a circular based on circumstances (details supplied). [43458/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department’s Circular Letter 54/2019 for teachers contains the at Chapter 6, which is regulated by the Carer’s Leave Act 2001.

Paragraph 2.2 of the Carer’s Leave Scheme states:-

‘Where Carer’s Leave is not taken in one continuous period of 104 weeks, there must be a minimum of 6 weeks intervening period between the periods of Carer’s Leave in respect of the same person.’

There is no provision within the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 to extend an existing Carer’s Leave absence. However, in exceptional circumstances where a teacher has not yet exhausted their 104 week entitlement and provided all eligibility conditions are met, the current period of Carer’s Leave may be extended, subject to the employer’s and Department of Employment and Social Protection’s approval.