To date, my Department has allocated a total of 17.39 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants at post-primary level in County Kildare, with 9.51 at VEC schools, 4.95 at secondary schools and 2.93 at community and comprehensive schools.
While approval for the post of special needs assistant is granted by my Department, the appointment of individual special needs assistants in second level schools is a matter for each school authority. With effect from 1 January 2005, special needs assistants employed in voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools are now paid directly through my Department's centralised payroll system. They are paid on an incremental salary scale with part-time special needs assistants paid a salary based on the hours that they actually work. A copy of the circular outlining these arrangements is attached for the Deputy's information. This circular also includes details of the salary scale applicable to special needs assistants from 1 December 2004.
I will provide for the Deputy's information, a further circular issued in January advising vocational education committees of revised pay arrangements for special needs assistants.