Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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410. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale for the decision to reduce Covid-19 leave for teachers and school staff to ten days; if there are exemptions to this in cases in which Covid-19 symptoms last longer than ten days; and if she will reconsider this decision. [7423/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Public health advice in relation to COVID-19 self-isolation period requirements changed in January 2022. Following a directive from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, changes have been made to COVID-19 Special Leave With Pay for public sector employees, who are required to self-isolate because they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19.

With effect from 7 February 2022, where an employee is required to self-isolate, a maximum of 10 consecutive days Special Leave With Pay will apply. Where the employee is medically unfit for work after the 10 day period, the terms and conditions of the public service Sick Leave Scheme will apply.

For an employee who commenced COVID-19 Special Leave with Pay prior to 7 February 2022, the maximum limit of 28 consecutive days continues to apply, in line with my Department’s Circular Letter 0042/2021. A further extension applies, where the specific criteria, as detailed in this Circular are met.

My Department’s Information Note TC 0002/2022 provides specific details on this change.