Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses. I also pay tribute to Senator Moran for the role she has undertaken as rapporteur.

My question is directed to the NCSE in respect of the 3,000 refused applications. Does the NCSE have numbers on how many of those 3,000 applicants would have had access to an SNA? How many of the 3,000 refusals were appealed and were successful on appeal? How many would have been referred to the Ombudsman for Children and would have been successful on appeal? I do not know if the witnesses have the figures now but perhaps they can be provided at a later date because I am interested in knowing them.

Most people are in agreement that the special needs assistant goes beyond the role as defined currently by the circular. If that is the case and it is not the role of the SNA, because they are providing additional resources or they are doing work that goes beyond their role, and if it is not the role of the teacher, then whose role is it to pick it up?

The representative from IMPACT mentioned in his contribution that the increase in the number of SNAs does not make up for lost ground. Does he have the figure that would be needed to make up for the lost ground, given the growing demographic and student numbers entering the system? What is his opinion on the proposal on teaching assistants? I would like him to comment on the use of the JobBridge scheme to employ SNAs.

On the issue of peer support-----