39 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Education whether the child care assistant vacancies referred to in the Green Paper on Education (details supplied) have been filled as promised; the number of vacancies involved; and the parts of the country concerned.

126 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if he will provide for the employment of child care assistants in special schools.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 126 together.

As stated in the Green Paper on Education, the position in relation to the provision of Child Care Assistants will be considered following receipt of the report of the Special Education Review Committee.

As an interim measure my Department have obtained sanction for the appointment of six Child Care Assistants in the Special Education area and I will shortly be considering proposals as to the distribution of these posts.