Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
271. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the reason it has taken more than 22 weeks to approve an application for an incremental increase for an SNA who applied for an increase based on past experience in August 2023 (details supplied); when this person will receive their incremental increase; the reason delays are experienced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3917/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria required to have incremental credit awarded to qualified Special Needs Assistants(SNA) is set out in Circular 0139/2006 and was agreed with the unions representing the Special Needs Assistants, School Management Representatives, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education.
To qualify for an award of incremental credit, an SNA and their prior work experience being claimed must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant circular. An award of incremental credit cannot be made where the eligibility criteria is not satisfied.
When an application for incremental credit is received in the Department, it is checked to ensure that it is fully completed. Applications are managed in date received order.
Applications can take up to 20 weeks to be fully processed but most are dealt with well within this timeframe. Factors that impact on this processing time include incomplete application forms and conflicting information on the application form. Please be advised that if an SNA meets the criteria set out in Circulars 0139/2006, incremental credit will be awarded and any monies due paid accordingly. The Department is carrying out a review of the incremental credit application process to identify ways in which the process can be streamlined with a view to reducing processing times.
With regard to the SNA to which you refer, please be advised this application has been received by the Department on the 8th of August 2023 and is currently being processed by the relevant unit of the Department. An outcome letter will issue to this SNA as soon as the unit has completed their assessment of this application.
The application will be given priority processing once requested documentation is received.
