Vol. 400 No. 9
222 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Education the number of positions of caretakers in primary schools which are currently vacant; the number she proposes to appoint in this financial year; and if it is her intention to have a caretaker appointed to each school where a vacancy exists.
Under my Department's scheme for the employment of caretakers in national schools the number of posts funded has been reduced by 70 due to successive public service staff embargoes. Certain issues have recently arisen in relation to the employment of persons on the social employment scheme on caretaking work in national schools. Discussions are taking place with ICTU regarding the provision of caretaking assistance in national schools. Pending the outcome of these talks it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on the matter.
