Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - Child Care Assistants.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

315 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education when she will allocate the proposed 50 child care assistants; if she will keep the case of St. Brigid's Special School, Dundalk, County Louth, in mind in this allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2222/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I expect to be in a position to allocate the 50 child care assistant posts referred to by the Deputy in the near future. The posts in question will be allocated on a priority basis having regard to the level of need for such support among the various categories of children involved.

At this stage, indications are that the level of need among children with severe or profound mental handicap is such that it may abosorb all the posts currently available.

However, as part of its examination of the recommendations of the special education review committee report, my Department is considering the question of further such appointments. The needs of the school mentioned by the Deputy will be considered in the context of any such development.