309. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the number of qualified teachers who were on career breaks from primary and second level schools, respectively on 1 January, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36450/24]

Information on the numbers of Career Breaks availed of by teachers in primary and post primary schools (excluding those employed in schools operated by Education and Training Boards) since the 2019/2020 school year is attached. This information is also available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c97fbd-teacher-statistics/#breakdown-of-career-break-by-year-sector-and-gender.

The terms and conditions of the Career Break Scheme for teachers are contained in my Department’s Circular Letter 54/2019 (Chapter 7).

As per the terms of Circular Letter 54/2019 (Chapter 7) a Career Break must commence at the start of a school year. Therefore the data supplied is expressed in school years.

Breakdown of Career Break by year and sector

* This information excludes Education and Training Boards (ETBs)