Special Educational Needs Staffing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2013

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Ceisteanna (84)

Anthony Lawlor

Ceist:

84. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason special needs assistants in second level schools are not utilised fully during the month of June when they are not assisting students sitting State examinations, but continue to be paid; if he will consider allowing such SNAs to undertake an alternative role within the school during this period, such as scribes or readers for the exams or school administrative duties, which would be a cost-saving measure by the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28249/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to set out the clear position of the Department and the employers regarding June working for Special Needs Assistants employed in the post-primary sector. The contract for Special Needs Assistants in the post primary sector (DES Circular SNA12/05) specifically requires that SNAs are required to work the month of June on examinations and work appropriate to the grade including training.

The utilisation of this period is not solely for examinations or training purposes only, although they are two of the purposes for which this period of time can be utilised. Duties such as assisting students and acting as reader/scribe for a student who is doing a state examination form part of the normal duties of SNAs and attract no additional payment.