Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:432. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will urgently review a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37736/25]
View answerTuesday, 8 July 2025
Questions (432)
Written answers
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/