Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of part-time teachers in special schools that have not yet been placed on the appropriate pay rate and therefore have arrears owing to them since the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Part Time Work) Act 2001. [26194/11]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount owing in arrears to part-time teachers in special schools who have not yet been placed in the appropriate pay rate since the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Part Time Work) Act 2001. [26195/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

Until 31st December 2010, a grant system operated which allowed the managerial authorities of special schools to claim from my Department the funding required to pay part-time specialist subject teachers employed in their schools. The teachers were paid by the managerial authorities.

With effect from the 1st January this year, part-time specialist subject teachers are being paid on a payroll operated by my Department. Under the terms of the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act, 2001, qualified eligible part-time teachers are entitled to be paid salary appropriate to their qualifications and to receive incremental credit in respect of relevant teaching service.

The arrears due to each qualified teacher are determined individually with regard to their qualifications and service. It is hoped to pay the outstanding arrears to approximately 60 qualified teachers within the current financial year. The current priority of my Department's Payroll Division is to ensure that replacement teachers and special need assistants being appointed for the 2011/2012 school year are placed on payroll for payment.