195 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the number of classroom assistants on a county basis in mainstream education funded by her Department; the reason County Meath has no such posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12568/97]

There are no child care assistant posts in place in mainstream primary schools at present.

Such posts are generally targeted at special schools and special classes catering for children with more serious disabilities. At present, there are eight child care assistants attached to special schools in County Meath.

I will continue to review needs in this area and consider how best these needs can be addressed within available resources.