Paternity leave for school staff
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 4 December 2019
- Last updated on: 8 October 2024
Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is a single period of 2 consecutive weeks to allow the relevant parent paid leave to provide, or assist in, the care of the child or to provide support to the mother or adopting parent of the child as the case may be, or both. Paternity Leave may commence at any time from the date of birth or date of placement of the child to 26 weeks thereafter, except where the leave is postponed in the event of hospitalisation of the child.
Teachers
For further information, please refer to the Paternity Leave Scheme (PDF, from page 73) contained in Item was unpublished or removed titled 'Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools'.
Due to legislative changes, there is an amendment to the Paternity Leave Scheme. Please refer to Information Note TC/IN 0012/2024.
Special Needs Assistants
All special needs assistants will be entitled to a period of two consecutive weeks paid leave on the birth/adoption of a child, where the date of birth/date of placement falls on or after 1 September 2016.
Due to legislative changes, there is an amendment to the Paternity Leave Scheme for SNAs, contained in Circular 0058/2016. For further information, please refer to Information Note TC/IN 0013/2024
All staff other than teachers and SNAs in Education and Training Boards.
For further information please refer to Circular 0066/2016 titled Paternity Leave For All Staff Other Than Persons Employed As Teachers And Special Needs Assistants In Education And Training Boards
Staff in Institutes of Technology
For further information please refer to Circular 0069/2016 titled Paternity Leave Scheme For All Eligible Staff In Institutes Of Technology
How to apply for Paternity Leave
Teachers
A teacher who wishes to avail of Paternity leave must inform their employer in writing at least 4 weeks in advance of the planned commencement date. The Application Form on page 79 of Circular 0054/2019 must be completed as soon as possible but no later than 7 days after commencement of the leave.
Special Needs Assistants
All special needs assistants who wish to avail of Paternity leave must inform their employer in writing at least 4 weeks in advance of the planned commencement date. The application form at Appendix A of Circular 0058/2016 must be completed as soon as possible but no later than 7 days after commencement of the 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