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Brief Absences for teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)



Brief Absence

A brief or short leave of absence from school for various circumstances and situations may arise throughout the school year.

Such absences can be paid or unpaid, or substitutable or non-substitutable.

Teachers

For information on Force Majeure and Illness in Family Leave for teachers please see Circular 0058/2023

For information on Special Leave with Pay for Sporting Purposes for teachers please see Circular 0092/2024.

For further information on other brief or short-term absences for Primary teachers, please see Circular 32/2007.

SNAs

For information on Leave for Candidates in General and Local Elections for Special Needs Assistants please see Circular 0052/2024

For information on Special Leave with Pay for Sporting Purposes for Special Needs Assistants please see Circular 0093/2024.

For further information on brief or short-term absences for SNAs, please see Circular 0032/2010.


How to Apply for a Brief Absence

Teachers

Teachers must apply in writing directly to their current employer (using an application form where available) with sufficient notice in accordance with the relevant circular.

SNAs

Special Needs Assistants must apply in writing to their current employer (using an application form where available) with sufficient notice in accordance with the relevant circular.


Contact

Teacher and SNAs: Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section

Address:
Teacher/SNA Terms & Conditions, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 X659
Email:

teachersna@education.gov.ie

Telephone:
(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