Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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606. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update in respect of teachers and the special leave with pay for Covid-19 payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55262/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The position as previously outlined to the Deputy in July 2022 has remained unchanged.

COVID-19 Special Leave with Pay is currently available to a teacher who (a) begins to display COVID-19 symptoms or (b) receives a positive COVID-19 PCR/antigen test result. The maximum Special Leave with Pay entitlement is 7 consecutive days in any one instance, which is the current HSE stated self-isolation period. The terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme will apply where a teacher remains medically unfit for work immediately after the 7-day Special Leave with Pay period. This entitlement is in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s (DPER) ‘Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 ‘. The DPER Guidance and FAQs apply to all civil and public service employees.

My Department’s Circular Letter 0038/2022 titled ‘COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated Working Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary schools’ reflects this DPER directive.