Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 3

Written Answers - School Staffing.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

344 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the application by Scoil San Carlo Junior, Confey, Leixlip, County Kildare, for child care assistants; the position in this regard; when the school will be authorised to appoint child care assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2528/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I am aware that the school in question has applied to my Department for the appointment of a child care assistant.

I recently announced a major new initiative in the special education area under which all children assessed as having special educational needs arising from a disability will be entitled to an automatic response to those needs. Such response may take the form of special teaching support or child care support or both, depending on the needs of the children involved.

My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the special needs of pupils attending the school in question, with a view to determining what extra support, including child care support, may be required. I would expect that a decision will be made on this matter shortly.