Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

373 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a classroom assistant to Scoil An Linbh Íosa, Prosperous, County Kildare, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31468/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the special support needs of the child in question.

As soon as the inspectorate has reported, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities. The fund is administered on a discretionary and confidential basis by each third level institution and provides direct financial sup port to disadvantaged students to assist them to remain on in college. I increased significantly the provision for this fund from £1.296 million in 1999 to £1.964 million in 2000.