Vol. 572 No. 6
234 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements which have been put in place for the employment of child care assistants at Castleview, Kilcruttin, Tullamore and Rí Scoil Íosagáin, Daingean Road, Tullamore, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24181/03]
My Department supports the establishment of pre-school facilities for Traveller children where the need for such a service has been identified and where a suitable management structure is in place. In such situations, my Department funds 98% of the teacher salaries involved and also funds the cost of transporting the children to the pre-schools. Annual funding is also provided for materials and equipment.
The employment of child care assistants is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, through the relevant health board. Pre-schools for Travellers are subject to the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 which requires that a second adult must be within the confines of the school during its operation.
I understand that the management committee has been alerted to a scheme introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which provides funding assistance to help non profit making pre-schools, such as those in question, to comply with the requirements of the Child Care Act.
