FIRST and second level teachers are to get their own welfare service, the Minister for Education has announced. Ms Breathnach's decision reverses a cutback forced on her by the Government's recruitment embargo in June.
The teachers' unions welcomed the announcement, made in the Dail yesterday. The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, said it was a "very significant development" which would improve the quality of the education system.
The move brings the State's 40,000 teachers into line with other parts of the public service which already enjoy welfare service benefits. The service helps staff with professional and health problems by providing professional assistance and counselling.
The employee assistance scheme would be set up as a two year pilot, Ms Breathnach said. Initially, this would involve the appointment of 10 employee assistance staff.
