Frequently asked questions
What is special leave with pay?
For how long can I take special leave with pay?
However, members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance.
This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.
Is special leave with pay part of my sick leave?
I have symptoms of Covid-19. What do I need to do in relation to work?
You should notify your employer that you are self-isolating, and should submit the form at Appendix A of circular 38/2022 (PDF). Your initial absence may be recorded as Covid-19: Special Leave with Pay on the OLCS.
When you are self-isolating with Covid-19 symptoms, you must arrange either an antigen or PCR test as soon as possible, and within one day of the onset of symptoms.
I’ve tested positive for Covid-19. What leave is available, and what do I need to do in relation to work?
Members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May 2023 a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance. This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.
If you have tested positive on a home antigen test, you should report your positive Covid-19 test through the HSE website here. You will receive a text from the HSE, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on Special Leave with Pay.
If you tested positive on an HSE PCR test, you will receive a text with your results, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on special leave with pay.
You will provide the form at Appendix A of circular 38/2022 (PDF) to your employer, with evidence of your HSE text message or other evidence of your positive test.
I had Covid-19 symptoms but have tested negative. What leave is available, and what do I need to do in relation to work?
If you are still unfit to work, the ordinary terms of the sick leave scheme will apply to your absence. This will include the requirement to provide a medical certificate if you are absent on sick leave for more than three consecutive days, or if you have taken seven days of self-certified sick leave in the past two years.
If you pay Class A PRSI, you are required to claim Illness Benefit if you are absent on sick leave for any period longer than three days, excluding Sunday, details here.
Please note, the initial period of special leave with pay, while you were symptomatic and awaiting testing, is not part of your sick leave, and you won’t claim Illness Benefit for this part of your absence.
Any period of self-certified sick leave will not have substitute cover.
There is further detail about the sick leave scheme for teachers in Chapter One of Circular 54/2019 (PDF) and on the INTO website here.
I had Covid-19 symptoms and tested negative on my initial antigen test. I remained symptomatic so continued to self-isolate, and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19. How will this absence be managed by my employer?
Members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance.This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.
If you have tested positive on a home antigen test, you should report your positive Covid-19 test through the HSE website here. You will receive a text from the HSE, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on Special Leave with Pay.
If you tested positive on an HSE PCR test, you will receive a text with your results, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on special leave with pay.
You should submit the form at Appendix A of circular 38/2022 (PDF) to your employer, with evidence of your HSE text message or other evidence of your positive test.
Following the required period of self-isolation with Covid-19, I’m still unfit to work. What leave is available now, and what do I need to do in relation to work?
A medical certificate must be provided for any absence on sick leave in excess of three consecutive days, and if you pay Class A PRSI you need to claim Illness Benefit for any absence on sick leave for more than three consecutive days, excluding Sundays.
The obligations of teachers regarding illness benefit are set out in this DE information note (PDF).
There is further detail about the sick leave scheme for teachers in Chapter One of Circular 54/2019 (PDF) and on the INTO website here.
I was previously absent for a period of special leave with pay following a Covid-19 infection, but I am now symptomatic or have tested positive again. What leave is available to me for this new period of self-isolation?
Members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance.
This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.
I have a vaccination or booster appointment scheduled during my school day. Is special leave with pay available for this?
Sick leave can be used for the purpose of obtaining “medical related services” provided such appointments could not have been arranged outside of regular working hours.
You should provide evidence of your appointment to your employer, and the absence can be recorded as certified sick leave on the OLCS.
I developed side-effects from my Covid-19 vaccine or booster and am unfit to work as a result. Is special leave with pay available for this?
If you are unfit to attend work, the ordinary terms of the sick leave scheme will apply.