27th September 2023
INTO welcomes the publication of DE Circular 0050/2023, which provides for up to five days of unpaid leave in a rolling twelve-month period, to provide personal care or support to a close family member, partner, or housemate for a serious medical reason.
This new statutory leave entitlement arises from the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act (2023) which was signed into law earlier this year.
Members should note that this leave is in addition to the five days of paid Family Illness Leave per school year.
Important points to note include:
- Members who wish to avail of this leave will submit an application form (Appendix A of the circular) to their employer as soon as is practicable, prior to or after taking the leave,
- Substitute cover will be available for all absences of Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes,
- Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Purposes is also available to teachers in temporary and non-casual substitute contracts.
FAQs on this new statutory leave provision will be available on the INTO Leave Estimator in the coming days.