Mr. Jim Mulkerrins:

That is fine. The number of SNAs has increased each year for the past number of years, essentially since the scheme was introduced by and large. Last year we announced the numbers to be allocated on 25 June. This year we have not yet been in a position to make the announcement. On behalf of the Department, I very much regret this has not been possible so far. The NCSE has provided us with the details of the number of SNAs required to meet demand from the beginning of the next school year. I can inform the committee that demand has increased this year. The Department has had a long engagement over the past while with the NCSE to do the diligence bit on those numbers and ensure it is all appropriate. It has informed the Minister of the issue and she is currently considering the matter with her Government colleagues. Until that process is concluded, I am constrained from disclosing the numbers involved but I can give the Chairman a commitment that I will immediately inform the committee when in a position to do so.