Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 27 September 2023
- Last updated on: 15 April 2025
- Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes
- How to apply for Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes
- Contact Details
Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes
A teacher/SNA can apply for Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes to provide personal care or support for a serious medical reason to an eligible person, as outlined in the circular. Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes consists of one or more school days, but must not exceed a maximum total of 5 school days in 12 consecutive months.
Teachers
For further information on Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes for teachers, please refer to Circular 0050/2023 titled “Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools.”
SNAs
For further information on Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes for SNAs, please refer to Circular 0051/2023 titled “Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes for Special Needs Assistants employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools.
How to apply for Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes
Teachers
A teacher who avails of Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes is required to complete the Application Form at Appendix A of Circular 0050/2023. The Application Form should be completed and submitted to the employer, as soon as is reasonably practicable prior to or after availing of such leave.
SNAs
An SNA who avails of Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes is required to complete the Application Form at Appendix A of Circular 0051/2023. The Application Form should be completed and submitted to the employer, as soon as is reasonably practicable prior to or after availing of such leave.
Contact Details
Teacher and SNAs: Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section
- Address:
- Teacher/SNA Terms & Conditions, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 X659
- Email:
- Telephone:
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(090) 648 3734
- Summary:
- Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are encouraged to submit queries regarding SNA Leave Schemes to their employers in the first instance. All employers have access to applicable Circulars relating to SNA Leave Schemes. Queries relating to statutory and non-statutory SNAs Leave Schemes can be submitted to Leave Admin Section, Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section at the email address above. Recruitment and Appointment Unit in Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section sets out the recruitment and appointment procedures for SNAs for the primary and post primary sector. Queries should be submitted to PORqueries@education.gov.ie