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School Staffing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Questions (262, 263, 264)

Michael Ring

Question:

442 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department paid out as a result of the Rights Commissioner ordering it to pay 83% of the full-time rate and back money to part-time special needs assistants. [21893/04]

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Written answers

The Rights Commissioner recommended that my Department issue payment amounting to 83% of the full rate of salary to a part-time special needs assistant for work which she undertook in an infants class. Payment has issued in this case but I am not in a position to give details of the amount the person received, as it is of a confidential nature.

Arising from the Rights Commissioner's recommendation, my Department decided to pay part-time special needs-assistants 83% of the full rate of salary if they are working in an infants class for the full duration of the infant school day. My Department will issue a circular to schools in the near future outlining the details of revised arrangements for the payment of part-time special needs assistants. To enable my Department process applications, the school managerial authority must verify that the special needs assistant is working in an infant's class for the full duration of the infant school day.

The amount varies in each case but a special needs assistant working for 23 hours and 20 minutes per week while on the first point of the current salary scale would receive an additional gross payment of €39 per week.

Michael Ring

Question:

443 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved incremental credit as a special needs assistant based on their previous experience. [21894/04]

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The matter is being examined in my Department and my officials will revert to the person in question at the earliest date.

Michael Ring

Question:

444 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when the assessment of the visiting teacher service for visually impaired children provided by his Department will be complete; when the vacant position in County Mayo will be filled; if the position will be advertised externally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21895/04]

View answer

My Department is currently assessing the role of the visiting teacher service in the context of the level and range of teacher supports now being provided for children with special educational needs. I expect the review will be completed within the current school term. A decision on the filling of vacancies, including the vacancy in County Mayo, to which the Deputy refers, will be based on the outcome of the review. Vacancies in the visiting teacher service are initially offered to visiting teachers in other regions who may wish to transfer to the location where the vacancy exists. If no serving visiting teacher expresses an interest in the position, it is then advertised nationally.

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