Vol. 467 No. 4
192 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to appoint 20 visiting teachers for travellers which posts were previously advertised in each of the years 1995 and 1996 in view of the removal of the public service embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13482/96]
The posts to which the Deputy refers were advertised in June 1995. However, they were not filled due to the public service embargo. The posts in question were not advertised in 1996.
As Minister for Education I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wider range of special needs, including the needs of traveller children. I have to determine priorities and try to allocate resources to best effect. As part of this process, consideration is currently being given to how my Department can best respond to the needs of traveller children, including the possibility of expanding the visiting teacher service for travellers. I have asked that this consideration be completed as speedily as possible.
