Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available for teachers with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26891/24]

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

As detailed in Section 15 of Circular 0013/24, setting out the sick leave entitlements for teachers, the Employment Equality Acts require employers to take reasonable steps to accommodate the needs of employees and prospective employees with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodation typically involves some modification to the tasks/structure of a job or workplace environment, which would enable such an employee to fully perform their work role and enjoy equal employment opportunities. An employer will make reasonable adjustments for teachers who have a disability, or who have acquired a disability, to have reasonable accommodation made to facilitate their return to work.

However, employers are not obliged to provide special treatment or facilities if the cost of doing so is excessive or disproportionate. The employer should explore in conjunction with the teacher and the OHS any appropriate enabling options, for example (these examples are not exhaustive):

• Making reasonable adjustments to the school building and/or working space

• Acquiring relevant equipment or modifying existing equipment

• Partial Return to Work

• Job Sharing – subject to the provisions of the Job-Sharing Scheme.

Decisions in relation to reasonable accommodation measures are a matter for the individual school authority as the employer, in line with the provisions of the Employment Equality Acts, and not for the Department of Education.

The Employee Assistance Service provides advice to all school staff on a range of issues including wellbeing, bereavement, conflict and mediation. Where required, short-term counselling is available to all school staff and their family members. The service provides support and advice to managers to help them deal with health and wellbeing issues personally and in the workplace. It also provides a series of webinars and presentations to promote wellbeing in schools.

The Employee Assistance Service is provided by Spectrum.life and is a self-referral service where school staff have access to a dedicated free-phone confidential helpline. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Teachers with disabilities may also be entitled to other supports from the Department of Social Protection such as Disability Allowance or Partial Capacity Benefit but would need to contact that Department in order for that Department to make an assessment of any benefits or assistance that they may be entitled to.