Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the requirements necessary to qualify as a SENO; the way in which the performance of SENOs in employment are monitored or assessed; the person or body that carries out the assessment process; the yearly salary of the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8998/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for fulfilling the functions of the NCSE Council within a designated area in relation to the identification of and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with disabilities. The NCSE employ 9 Senior SENOs and 73 SENOs currently to provide a nationwide system of local services. In undertaking their role locally-based SENOs consult widely with parents/guardians, teachers, health care professionals, school authorities, HSE and other relevant government agencies.

Recruitment of SENOs is undertaken on behalf of the NCSE by the Public Appointments Service. In order to qualify as a SENO a candidate must possess a qualification at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications relevant to the provision of services to students/children with disabilities or an equivalent professional qualification and at least two years’ post qualification experience working in the area of education of children with special educational needs, or the delivery of other services to people with disabilities. Candidates must also possess a good understanding of special education needs, issues and services.

The following scale effective from 1st October 2018 applies to SENOs who are new entrants and members of the Single Scheme and will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution in accordance with Circular 6/95:

€30,987, €33,387, €33,987, €36,983, €39,988, €42,995, €46,002, €47,858, €49,710, €51,573, €53,425, €55,282, €57,139, €58,992, €60,856(NMAX), €62,921(LSI 1), €64,981(LSI 2).

In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the monitoring and assessing of SENO's, I have arranged for it to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.