Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Jack Wall

Question:

239 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistant positions that have been withdrawn by his Department in the past year; the effect that this decision has had on the unsuccessful applicants; the position of classroom co-ordination due to the extra work load placed on the teaching staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25702/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

There are currently 4,239 full-time and a further 1,264 part-time special needs assistants, SNAs, in national schools generally. No such posts have been withdrawn by my Department in the past year.