Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Paul McGrath

Question:

176 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the pay scales for persons employed as special classroom assistants by his Department; the category of PRSI which applies to these employees; if they are paid during mid-term breaks and school holidays; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some of these employees are leaving this service due to the low rates of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27299/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Special needs assistants are allocated to schools to support children with special needs on either a full-time or part-time basis. The level of cover provided in each case is based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.

Full-time special needs assistants are placed on a 13 point salary scale which starts at £13,640 and rises to £22,104. This includes a long service increment which applies after three years at the highest point of the scale. Part-time special needs assistants are paid at an hourly rate of £6.38, based on the number of hours worked. The hourly rate for part-time assistants is derived from the prevailing minimum point of the pay scale. The figures quoted are effective from 1 October. Special needs assistants are generally subject to class A PRSI deductions.

Full-time special needs assistants are paid for mid-term breaks and school holidays. Those employed on a part-time basis are only paid for the periods worked. Part-time staff do however qualify for a holiday payment at the rate of 8% based on the total number of hours worked per annum. Responsibility for the recruitment and employment of special needs assistants in schools rests with the school authorities. Information regarding particular employees who may be leaving their posts and the reasons for any such departures is not therefore readily available in my Department.