Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
123. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost to the Exchequer per annum of the standard five days of non-teaching time in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37986/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraExtra Personal Vacation (EPV) Day Leave is available to a primary teacher who has completed a Department approved summer course only. The maximum EPV Leave entitlement in a school year is 5 school days, regardless of the number of summer courses completed. An application for EPV Leave is subject to the prior approval of the 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 EPV days are non-substitutable, there is no additional cost to the Exchequer arising from teachers completing the associated Department courses.
