James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 714: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will set up a panel whereby special needs assistants can be transferred within their catchment area as the need arises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22361/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department had been engaged in discussions with the trade union representing special needs assistants, SNAs, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, on a number of issues relating to the employment of SNAs, including the matter raised by the Deputy.

These discussions have now concluded. One of the proposals that has been accepted by both parties is to agree to enter into negotiations at an early date with a view to devising a suitable system for redeployment having regard to the complexities involved. It is the objective that this process be finalised for the end of the next school year.