I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I will be brief. The issue I raise impacts on a small number of local authority members - it impacts on them nonetheless - and clarity in respect to the guidelines would be very much appreciated.

Under the section on personal leave, Department Circular 0032/2007 states that those who are members of public bodies, for example, county councils or statutory local bodies, are allowed up to ten days in a school year. Obviously, this absence applies only where meetings are held during school opening hours. As a result of the 2014 local government reform, there are ten monthly meetings during school terms, five municipal meetings and one budget meeting. There are also special meetings that can be convened occasionally. Does the Minister have any plans to update the Department circulars to reflect the additional workload of the local authority members?

In response to a parliamentary question on a similar matter, the Minister articulated that local authority members must get prior approval from the boards of management of schools in order to attend meetings and that, in approving such leave, the boards must take into consideration the welfare and educational needs of students. I am told that is becoming somewhat problematic. Department circulars provide for the absence up to ten days per year but cover for such absences is an issue for the schools and the local authority members involved. For those members who have a duty as public representatives and as educators, this is undoubtedly a strain.

We are all aware of the barriers that exist for women and men who are thinking of entering politics. They are vast but some are much easier to address than others and I believe that we can make small changes and provisions to break down barriers and encourage inclusivity in politics. It should not be a case of one or the other.

I am seeking clarification on whether the Department has plans to update the guidelines to bring them into line with the increased workload of local authority members.

Again, on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, I thank the Senator for raising this issue which affords me the opportunity to outline to the House the situation regarding primary and post-primary school teachers who are also members of a local authority.

Where a teacher in a primary or post-primary school is an elected member of a local authority, paid absence of up to ten school days in a school year may be availed of in order to attend council meetings but only when such meetings are held during school opening hours. Prior approval must be obtained from the employer, that is, the board of management or education and training board, depending on the school type. Substitute cover is not provided by the Department of Education and Skills for such absences. In general, substitute cover is provided by the Department in the case ofstatutory leave such as maternity leave or long-term leave such as certified sick leave. Changes to the arrangements for teachers leave or substitution cover for such leave can be raised at the Teachers Conciliation Council. The latter is the recognised forum for dealing with matters relating to pay and conditions of service of teachers. The parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and it is chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission.

I presume the Senator will not be happy with the reply in light of what he outlined. I have nothing further to add. There are other types of leave that do not allow for substitute cover, including exam and study leave and extra personal vacations. I cannot really add anything further but I will bring the concerns the Senator raised to the attention of the Minister. Perhaps the Senator might be able to follow this up with a personal letter to the Minister.

Unfortunately, the Minister of State is the messenger and not the line Minister. I am not sure if she can add any more but I will allow Senator Swanick a brief supplementary contribution.

I thank the Minister of State for her response and appreciate what she said about bringing the issue of substitution cover for local authority members when they are attending meetings to the Teachers Conciliation Council. Our local authority members have increasing workloads, however, and the Department needs to deal with this issue.

I urge the Minister of State to bring this matter back to the senior Minister. I believe Department Circular 0032/2007 needs to be amended. I accept that it affects a small cohort of individuals. If we are to encourage people to enter politics, we should not put any barriers in their way. Will the Minister of State inquire in the Department as to whether the circular can be amended?

I will.