151 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Education if she will favourably reconsider the decision not to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8522/97]

Final decisions have not yet been made regarding the staffing allocations for primary schools for the 1997-98 school year.

However, I should point out to the Deputy that, in September 1997, this Government will have reduced the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools to 22:1 from a level of 25:1 when I took office as Minister for Education.