Vol. 486 No. 6
338 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science when he proposes to appoint a child care assistant to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath in view of the fact there are now resources available to permit this appointment as this was given as the inhibiting factor in October 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3277/98]
My Department's capacity to allocate additional child care assistant posts in any year is dependent on resource availability and the level of competing demand across the special needs area. Where such posts do become available, they are allocated on the basis of priority of need. In recent years, available posts have generally been targeted at special classes catering for children with severe or profound mental handicap.
I am at present reviewing provision across the special needs area, including the child care area, to ensure that all available resources are utilised as effectively as possible. I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be considered in this context.
