Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Education and Skills

School Staff

Photo of Marian HarkinMarian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

634. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an issue with regard to sick leave will be reviewed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1707/25]

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

The Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, which applies to teachers, is regulated by the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014, SI 124 of 2014, as amended by the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) (Amendment) Regulations 2015, SI 384 of 2015 and the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, SI No. 407/2023. The Sick Leave Scheme for teachers is contained in my Department’s Circular Letter 13/2024.

Leave entitlements for public servants are determined by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Delivery and Reform (DPENDR). Under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998, the Minister for Education, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Delivery & Reform, is authorised to determine the terms and conditions of employment for teachers employed in approved teaching posts funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas.

A teacher who has applied for and been granted a career break, and is working in a substitute capacity, shall be regarded as working on a casual basis i.e. a non-contractual position. As there is no contract in place for casual substitute work between the employer and the substitute, there is no entitlement to access to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.

In this case, the permanent role of the employee takes precedence with regards to adhering to the terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme, including application of the look-back extension rules.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.