Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On that point, the purpose of an SNA might have to do with care but, obviously, it would free up teaching hours. An issue that has arisen is whether the SNA facility was being used in the correct way. The reform being proposed by the national council as to how we look at these matters is that we are not just putting in the numbers of SNAs, but asking if they are needed, if they are being used correctly and allocated correctly around the system. The Minister mentioned the number of SNAs but we have no idea of the number of pupils it relates to or what it means in terms of outcomes in the classroom. The question of literacy and numeracy is related. If an SNA is provided does it mean that more effort can be put into the teaching and learning? What does the number of SNAs mean in terms of the number of pupils who would be affected? Has the Minister any views on that issue?