1507. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether permanent teachers who are job sharing will be permitted to undertake substitute teaching on their non-rostered days during 2026-2027; and if her Department intends to continue the relaxation of the previous restriction for the coming school year. [63613/26]

The Job-Sharing Scheme for teachers is contained in Chapter 8 of the Department’s Circular Letter Circular 0054/2019 titled ‘Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers Employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools’. Paragraph 11.1(a) of the Job-Sharing Scheme states a teacher may not engage in any substitute teaching whilst job sharing.

In response to issues raised in relation to teacher supply, the restriction on engaging in substitute teaching, imposed in the Job-Sharing Scheme, has been suspended for on a temporary basis over the last number of years.

Information Note TC/IN 0001/2026 has recently been published by Department and provides for the extension of this temporary arrangement until the end of the 2026/27 school year.