Vol. 510 No. 4
188 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in replying to a query forwarded to him in July 1999 (details supplied) regarding the payment rates for special needs assistants; when he will be responding to this query; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22934/99]
I apologise to the Deputy for the delay in responding to his letter of 21 July 1999.
In the case referred to by the Deputy, a special needs assistant was sanctioned in December 1998 for 15 hours per week at a rate of £5.16 per hour. This hourly rate has been increased to £5.24 with effect from 1 July 1999. The hourly rate of pay for part-time special needs assistants is calculated by reference to the approved salary scale for such employees in the school system.
The minimum educational requirement for the post of special needs assistant is a pass in three subjects in the junior certificate. No supplementary allowance is payable in respect of any qualifications in excess of those required to carry out the job in question.
