Dáil Éireann - Volume 531 - 27 February, 2001

Written Answers. - Special Needs Assistants.

Mr. Wall Mr. Wall

415. Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the problems special needs assistants have in relation to payments where schools are taking mid-term breaks or curriculum days; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that schools have major difficulties in obtaining such staff; the present position of non-payment of these mid-term breaks and curriculum days are further complicating the issue; if he will investigate the payment of these days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5450/01]

Dr. Woods Dr. Woods

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): I am not aware of difficulties in relation to payments of special needs assistants where schools are taking mid-term breaks or curriculum days. If the Deputy has a particular situation in mind he may wish to provide me with details so that the matter can be investigated.

Apart from the general problem of securing suitable staff which is a feature of many sectors of the economy at present, I am not aware that schools are encountering any particular difficulty in filling their special needs assistants posts.

Dáil Éireann 531 Written Answers. Special Needs Assistants.

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