Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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432. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will urgently review a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37736/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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From the outset, the Department wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to the person named.

The provisions of the Bereavement Leave Scheme for teachers are outlined in the department’s Circular 0078/2022, which states:

2.2 Bereavement Leave must be availed of at the time of the bereavement, to facilitate the teacher with time off from work. And:

2.6 Where a teacher is already absent on other approved leave (e.g. Sick Leave, Maternity Leave, Carer’s Leave, Parental Leave, Marriage Leave) when the bereavement occurs, it cannot be replaced with Bereavement Leave.

The terms and conditions of the Bereavement Leave Scheme were agreed with the Education Partners, that is School Management Bodies and the relevant Trade Unions, and have general application to all teachers. Unfortunately, there is no provision within this scheme to postpone or defer Bereavement Leave to a later date.

The Parental Leave Scheme for teachers is outlined in Circular 0054/2019 - Chapter 5 and Information Note TC/IN 0010/2023, and is regulated by the Parental Leave Act 1998, as amended.

Please note the Parental Leave Act 1998, as amended states "the entitlement to parental leave is subject to the condition that it is used to take care of the child concerned". Regrettably, any entitlements to Parental Leave shall cease in the event of the passing of a child. There are no guidelines set out within the Parental Leave Act to allow for continuation of such leave.

Full details on the current leave schemes which are available to teachers is documented on the Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/breaksleave-for-school-staff/

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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433. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of reintroducing the allowance for teachers teaching Irish in Irish-medium schools since after 2012. [37751/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026 provides for a local bargaining provision where employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment.

In terms of the possible reintroduction of this allowance, this is one of the matters that may come under consideration under the local bargaining provision of the PSA 2024-2026 and as matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this time.