Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

230 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many school principals about difficulties in recruiting special needs assistants due to the low level of pay rates of £5.34 per hour; the plans he has to increase this rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29963/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am aware that the concerns to which the Deputy refers have been raised in the past with my Department.

However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that arising from agreements reached under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the salary levels for special needs assistants are in the process of being significantly increased.

With effect from 1 October 2000, the salary scale for special needs assistants will start at £12,426 and rise to a maximum of £19,942 per annum. I am confident that the increases which are now being introduced will have a significant impact on addressing the issue raised by the Deputy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

231 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of EPT teachers in the education system; the measures he is taking to address job security for such teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29964/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The number of eligible part-time teachers, EPTs, on my Department's payroll is 1,375. The number of EPTs in schools managed by vocational education committees is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.