4.17.1 Adoptive Leave
The Adoptive Leave Act, 1995 allows for ten weeks paid adoptive leave. The terms are outlined in CL 20/97.
4.17.2 Leave Relating to Public Representatives
Candidates for election to both Dáil Éireann and to the European Parliament may be granted unpaid leave from the date of close of nomination to the date of the election.
As an elected representative, a Teachta Dála (T.D.), or a Member of Seanad Éireann (Senator), is entitled to paid leave, but must refund to the Department of Education and Science the cost of employing a temporary whole-time replacement. The cost of substitution for political leave must be refunded to the school.
Local councillors can avail of up to 10 days paid leave per school year for attendance at meetings.
Candidates in local elections are entitled to unpaid leave on polling day.
4.17.3 Leave for Jury Service
Leave for jury service, with paid substitution, is allowed. The cost of substitution may be recouped from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The teacher may seek to be excused from jury service by producing to the County Registrar a letter from the school which states that the teacher’s absence from school would impose difficulties for the school and deprivation of lessons for students. The Registrar has total discretion to excuse the teacher from service.
4.17.4 Leave to represent Ireland at Sporting Events
Proposals to deal with leave of absence in this case are currently under consideration.
4.17.5 Leave to attend in Court
Under consideration as for 4.17.4.