Vol. 481 No. 1
275 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will assign a child care assistant to St. Patrick's national school, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, to cater for the needs of special needs students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15597/97]
: Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have allocated an additional 15 child care assistant posts to the primary sector. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need as determined by my Department following consideration of data submitted by applicant schools.
As Minister for Education, I have to consider a wide range of competing demands across the special needs area. I have to establish priorities and respond to these demands as effectively as possible within available resources.
I am at present reviewing provision across the special needs area, including the child care area, to ensure that all available resources are deployed to best effect. I can assure the Deputies that the needs of St. Patrick's national school, Drumcondra, and the Sacred Heart primary school, Ballymahon, will be fully considered in this context.
