Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will facilitate the establishment of a new A1 or assistant principal grade position at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, the appointee to which shall co-ordinate special education resources and a special class that it is proposed be established within the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27734/05]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if co-ordinating a special class for students with autistic spectrum disorders is a specialised role; her views on whether such a role needs to be outside the normal posts of responsibility in a school; her further views on the classification of positions such as A1 or assistant principal grades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27739/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 441 together.

Circular letter 6/98, issued by my Department in February 1998, sets out the schedule of assistant principal and special duties teacher posts in voluntary secondary schools as agreed between the respective management bodies, the teacher unions and my Department. Circular 5/98, also issued by my Department in February 1998, sets out the agreed national criteria for the level and types of duties for the posts of assistant principal and special duties teachers.

Under the terms of circular 5/98, school management, following consultation between the principal and staff, shall determine the duties which need to be performed for the effective internal management of the school. In identifying the post duties required by the school, account shall be taken of the needs of the school, including, special educational needs, where appropriate. Duties should reflect the grade and level of responsibility entailed by the post, taking into account the size and individual needs of the school.

As the schedule of posts of responsibility is agreed between the respective school management bodies, the teacher unions and my Department, claims for additional posts are a matter for the teacher's conciliation council which is comprised of representatives of the teachers unions, school management, the Department of Finance and my Department.