Domestic Violence Leave for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
- Published on: 22 November 2023
- Last updated on: 22 January 2026
- Domestic Violence Leave
- How to apply for Domestic Violence Leave
- Contact Details
- Domestic violence and abuse policy and supports for recognised primary and post-primary schools and ETBs
Domestic Violence Leave
Domestic Violence Leave can be availed of by a teacher/SNA who is a victim of domestic violence or where a teacher/SNA is providing support to a relevant person. Domestic Violence Leave is a period of paid leave and consists of one or more school days, but must not exceed a maximum of 5 school days in a consecutive 12 month period.
Teachers
For further information on Domestic Violence Leave for teachers, please refer to Circular 0059/2023titled “Domestic Violence Leave for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools.”
SNAs
For further information on Domestic Violence Leave for SNAs, please refer to Circular 0060/2023 titled “Domestic Violence Leave for Special Needs Assistants employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools.”
How to apply for Domestic Violence Leave
Teachers
A teacher who avails of Domestic Violence Leave is required to complete the Application Form at Appendix A of Circular 0059/2023. The Application Form should be completed and submitted to the employer, as soon as is reasonably practicable prior to or after availing of such leave.
SNAs
An SNA who avails of Domestic Violence Leave is required to complete the Application Form at Appendix A of Circular 0060/2023. The Application Form should be completed and submitted to the employer, as soon as is reasonably practicable prior to or after availing of such leave.
Contact Details
Teacher and SNAs: Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section
- Address:
- Teacher/SNA Terms & Conditions, Department of Education and Youth, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 X659
- Email:
- Telephone:
-
(090) 648 3734
- Summary:
- Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are encouraged to submit queries regarding SNA Leave Schemes to their employers in the first instance. All employers have access to applicable Circulars relating to SNA Leave Schemes. Queries relating to statutory and non-statutory SNAs Leave Schemes can be submitted to Leave Admin Section, Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section at the email address above. Recruitment and Appointment Unit in Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section sets out the recruitment and appointment procedures for SNAs for the primary and post primary sector. Queries should be submitted to PORqueries@education.gov.ie
Domestic violence and abuse policy and supports for recognised primary and post-primary schools and ETBs
The attached policy document sets out that recognised primary and post-primary schools and ETBs should commit to supporting staff who are impacted by domestic violence and abuse by creating awareness and providing workplace supports, including statutory domestic violence leave. The policy document provides information on the type of supports that can be provided, other considerations that must be taken into account by an employer, such as issues around confidentiality and training, and provides a reference source for other supports that may be accessed by people who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
