asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a caretaker for Scoil Mhuire, Howth, Dublin 13.

As the scheme for the employment of caretakers in national schools is being phased out, it is not open to my Department to approve the appointment of a replacement caretaker for Scoil Mhuire, Howth.

Is the Minister aware of the vandalism that has taken place in this school and in others and would she consider this school as a special case for the appointment of a caretaker?

I appreciate the Deputy's concern in this area but, as a consequence of Government decisions, it is not possible to make a special case for any school. We are very anxious to ensure that where spending reductions have to be made in the educational area they are confined, as far as possible, to the ancillary services so that the essential education services can be protected. On the question of the replacement of the caretaker, schools may apply for assistance in this area under the social employment scheme which is administered by the Department of Labour through the National Manpower Service.