Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will investigate a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41509/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Procedures for the appointment of Special Needs Assistants (SNA) are set out in Department Circulars 05/2001 and SNA 03/03. These Circulars specify that the minimum qualification necessary for appointment as an SNA is an award of Grade D (or pass) in Irish, English and Mathematics in the Intermediate Certificate/Junior Certificate or Day Vocational Certificate Examination or in an examination of equivalent standard. In this context, a qualification of equivalent standard is any qualification at Level 3 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) established by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), provided that the qualification, or a combination of such qualifications, certifies to the achievement of a minimum of a pass in the subjects Irish, English and Mathematics. With regard to the means by which a person may attain the necessary educational requirements, local education service providers (e.g. Vocational Education Committees) may be able to assist with access to an appropriate course or courses which will, on successful completion, lead to an award of the required standard.