Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is the case that those who previously opted out of the supervision and substitution scheme cannot now opt back in; if this position will be reviewed; if not, if a new scheme will be opened soon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26949/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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With effect from the beginning of the 2013/14 school year, participation in the Supervision and Substitution scheme is compulsory for all post-primary teachers, save for those who had availed of the opt-out arrangements prior to this date. Circular 0047/2017 also subsequently set out the arrangements whereby teachers who previously opted out from compulsory participation in the Supervision and Substitution scheme under Circular 0006/2014 could opt back in to the Supervision and Substitution scheme.

Discussions are currently taking place under the auspices of the Teachers' Conciliation Council (TCC) in relation to the option to opt-in to the Supervision and Substitution scheme under certain conditions. The Teachers Conciliation Council is part of the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers and was set up to deal with claims and proposals relating to the terms and conditions of employment of teachers to which the Department, management representatives and unions are all party.

As the proceedings of the TCC are confidential, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment while it remains under consideration.