Force Majeure leave is paid and is separate from parental leave. It is limited to a maximum of three days in each twelve months or five days in each thirty six months period. This leave covers situations where, for urgent family reasons, owing to an injury to or an illness of a close family member, the immediate presence of the employee is indispensably required.
The conditions governing the granting of Force Majuere Leave are contained in C.L.17/99. It should be noted that the number of days allowed under existing arrangements in relation to special paid leave for approved absences are not increased by the granting of Force Majeure leave.
Bereavement or Serious Illness of Immediate Relative
Special paid leave, of three school days, may be granted to a teacher on the occasion of serious illness or death of an immediate relative. This type of paid leave may be extended beyond three days in exceptional circumstances, but the payment of salary in respect of the period beyond three days is subject to the approval of the Board of Management and the sanction of the Minister.
In the case of permanent whole-time secretarial and maintenance staff, special leave, with pay, may be allowed in respect of absence not exceeding five consecutive days necessitated by the death of an immediate relative.
Personal Leave
A Board of Management may grant special personal leave to a teacher. Such leave is not to exceed five school days in any one academic year.
Substitution in respect of personal leave must be without cost to the Department of Education and Science. The general practice followed in respect of such leave is that the substitution is arranged in advance by the teacher who is going on leave. The approval of the Principal for the intended substitute should be obtained before arrangements are finalised.