16 May 2006

Education

Special Needs Assistants

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to recognise prior service by special needs assistants in the assessment of their claims for increments based on prior service and request for job security.

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin): Discussions are continuing between officials in my Department, the Department of Finance and the unions concerned with a view to finalising an incremental credit scheme for Special Needs Assistants in the near future. The details of the agreement, when reached, will be issued to all schools by means of a circular letter. Any existing and future claims for incremental credit on behalf of Special Needs Assistants will be dealt with in accordance with the terms of this circular.