Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
838. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the processing of Department of Social Protection forms received from substitute teachers; if she will provide an update on a specific form (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Department of Social Protection application process for unemployment benefits, the employer is required to complete a form with employment and earnings details for the substitute teacher concerned. In its capacity as paymaster for school's teaching staff, Payroll Division completes these forms on behalf of schools with the details requested on the form. These forms can only be processed from the 1st of July when primary schools have closed for the summer holidays and claims for substitute cover have been entered on the OLCS system and approved by schools. Payroll Division receives many thousands of these forms over a very short time frame every summer. The turnaround time for completion and return of these forms is approximately three weeks. The forms are processed in chronological order of receipt.
Payroll Division has engaged with he Department of Social Protection with a view to streamlining the processing of these forms for education staff. Currently the process involves a paper form and other options are being considered.
In relation to the individual substitute teacher referred to by the Deputy, I can advise that the form has been processed and was returned to the teacher on 8th August 2022.
