Vol. 559 No. 5
200 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act, 2001, applies to part-time special needs assistants employed by his Department; and if so, in which way. [26426/02]
In general, the Act in question applies to any part-time employee and this would include special needs assistants. The implications of the Act for the terms and conditions of different grades of part-time staff in the education system are currently under consideration in my Department. In addition, the issues have been the subject of meetings with the relevant unions and management bodies. Once these issues have been finalised, my Department will ensure that all of the relevant employers are issued with guidelines on the matter.
