Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
465. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will consider introducing a scheme, similar to extra personal vacation days, whereby teachers who provide in excess of 20 hours per academic year of extra-curricular service in their schools would be entitled to paid leave days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2844/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraExtra Personal Vacation (EPV) Leave is available to a primary teacher who has completed a department approved summer course only. EPV Leave is not available to post-primary teachers.
The maximum EPV Leave entitlement in a school year is 5 school days, regardless of the number of summer courses completed by a teacher.
An application for EPV Leave is subject to the prior approval of their employer. In line with the school’s policy on teacher absences, an employer must consider the teacher’s application for the proposed EPV Leave, in the context of other statutory and non-statutory leave at that time. The welfare and educational needs of the pupils must take precedence over all other considerations.
As with current practice, any amendments to the terms and conditions of employment are normally outlined by way of a Circular Letter, following detailed consultations and negotiations which take place under the auspices of the Teacher Conciliation Council (TCC).
There is currently no plan to introduce a scheme similar to EPV Leave Scheme, for teachers who participate in or facilitate extra-curricular services in schools.
