Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 1

Written Answers. - Payment of Arrears.

Ivan Yates

Question:

305 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science when arrears will be paid to all special needs assistants as agreed under the PCW and PPF on 14 December 2000; when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29491/01]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

354 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if arrears of remuneration under the PCW and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness are due to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the dates of employment giving rise to entitlement to such arrears; the reason these arrears remain outstanding; when these arrears payments will be made to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29894/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 354 together.

I am aware of the case to which the Deputies refer. The issue of outstanding arrears for special needs assistants, including the person mentioned by the Deputies, is being addressed in my Department as speedily as possible. The arrears in question span the period 1994 to 2000 and impact to varying degrees on approximately 1,200 special needs assistants currently in the system.

I assure the Deputies that my Department will make every effort to finalise these payments, including the payment due to the person in question, with all possible speed.