Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 475: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to redundancy payments for special needs assistants who were laid off; when this payment will issue; the stage it is at; if she will ensure that special needs assistants who were laid off will receive their redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12877/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has reached agreement on the terms of a redundancy package for special needs assistants employed in primary and second level schools. I expect that confirmation of the provisions of the redundancy arrangements will issue to schools shortly. As soon as the final arrangements are confirmed, a decision will be communicated directly to the special needs assistants from whom applications for payment of redundancy have been received.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action she proposes to take to deal with difficulties at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12882/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively and also has responsibilities in regard to the action of its employees.

My Department supports the principle that complaints regarding schools should be resolved at school level whenever possible and will only become involved in an investigation of specific complaints after every effort has been made to resolve the matter at local level.

On 13 March 2006, the patron of the school referred to by the Deputy dissolved the board of management and, with my approval, appointed a single manager to manage the school for a period of six months in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Education Act 1998.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that a sufficient period of time must be afforded to the single manager to address the difficulties within the school. My Department will, however, continue to give support and guidance to the school authorities where necessary.