Ms Martina Mannion:

SNAs are providing a key support in the care needs of students. It is not like the pupil-teacher ratio, where a certain number of pupils is needed to get a teacher. This is based on the care need. SNAs in the mainstream settings are assigned where there is an identified care need. It is not related to the numbers of pupils but to the care needs of the individual pupils. Where there is a ratio, as a broad overline, it is for the special classes. A primary school class for children with autism will have one teacher and two SNAs. However, if there are children with greater care needs within that class who require additional SNA support, the school engages with the NCSE to get that support. There is no ratio beyond that. Is there anything Mr. Hanlon wishes to add?