John Browne
Question:43 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to appoint childcare assistants in schools under the new Child Care Act.
Written Answers. - Childcare Support in Schools.
I am advised by my colleague the Minister for Health, who has overall responsibility for child care legislation, that there are no provisions in the new Child Care Act in relation to the appointment of child care assistants in schools.
However, I would draw the Deputy's attention to my recently announced decision to appoint an additional 50 childcare assistants to the special education area in the current year. These new appointments, which will be in place from September next, form part of an initial response to the recommendations of the Special Education Review Committee and will be of significant benefit in assisting teachers in dealing with special needs children.
My Department is currently assessing levels of need for childcare support in the special education area in order to ensure that the additional posts now available are used to best effect.