Olwyn Enright
Question:150 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if all special needs assistant positions are permanent and pensionable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23564/03]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Approval for the position of special needs assistant is granted by my Department. The post is sanctioned to help cater for the special needs of the pupil(s) and is subject to review in light of their emerging needs. The board of management of each individual school is responsible for the employment of special needs assistants.
It has been agreed in principle that special needs assistants will be admitted to pensionability. The precise details will be the subject of a circular letter, which will issue shortly.
Olwyn Enright
Question:151 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used in the appointment of a special needs assistant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23565/03]
My Department recently issued a circular, SNA 03/03, to all primary schools regarding appointment procedures for special needs assistants. A copy of this circular has been sent to the Deputy.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:152 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department will make a decision in respect of the staffing requests from schools (details supplied), in particular, a resource teacher and special needs assistants; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent necessity for such appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23566/03]
All applications for special educational supports received between 14 February 2003 and 31 August 2003 will be examined on the basis of the supporting professional report(s) and in the context of resources already available at the school. The process involves an examination of each application and supporting documentation by a dedicated team of inspectors and psychologists. The schools concerned will be informed of the outcome as early as possible in the current school year. An application from the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered within this process.