Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the rules which apply to the retention of special needs assistants in schools where changing circumstances dictates a reduction in the need for SNAs; if the rules apply even where the later employed person works 30 or more hours and where the earlier person works five or less hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24381/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A Circular Letter outlining details of the arrangements relating to redundancy for Special Need Assistants has been prepared by my Department. The number of the Circular Letter is 0058/2006 — " Redundancy Arrangements for Special Need Assistants in Primary and Second Level Schools".

Where a redundancy situation arises in a school, the selection criteria will be on a last in first out (LIFO) basis subject to the contractual arrangements already in place. This means that, in the case of redundancy, unless the most junior special need assistant in the school has a written child specific contract that entitles her/him to remain in the school, her/his contract should be terminated on the basis that she/he is the most junior special need assistant in the school in terms of length of service — Circular Letters SNA 12/05 and 15/05 on contracts of employment refer.

Another Circular Letter outlining the arrangements in relation to the seniority of Special Need Assistants was also prepared by my Department recently. The number of the Circular Letter is 0059/2006 — "Seniority of Special Need Assistants".

This Circular Letter clarifies the arrangements regarding seniority for Special Need Assistants employed in a Regular Part-Time capacity by schools or VECs. The Circular Letter states that a Special Need Assistant employed in a regular part time capacity shall not be treated less favourably in determining their seniority on account of their status as a part time employee. It also states that the seniority of a special need assistant employed for a regular number of hours each week is the same as that of a full time special need assistant employed for the same period."

The Circular Letters referenced above can be accessed on my Department's website "Education Personnel/Special Need Assistants". Copies of the Circular Letters have also issued to schools.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department officials do not directly inform parents of their children's possible entitlement to the July provision; when was this scheme first introduced; its annual cost to the Department since introduction; and the numbers who have benefited from it. [24382/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 497: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the person who, within the education system, notifies parents of the July provision scheme for children with special needs; if this scheme is advertised in the national or local papers; if so, when were the advertisements for this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24383/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 498: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if payment of the July provision will be made retrospectively to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo, effective from the date of the diagnosis of their condition as the Department were fully aware of this persons diagnosis. [24384/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 498, inclusive, together.

The July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.

My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. There has been a steady increase in the number of schools offering the programme since it was introduced in 2001 when relevant schools were circulated with details. My Department is considering how best to further publicise the availability of this initiative.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that forty hours' tuition under the July Provision Scheme has been approved for the child in question.