Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein)

I have to speak in the Seanad in a few moments but I will ask some questions. I thank both witnesses for their presentations and for being here with us today.

In recent days I have had a lot of contact from school principals, SNAs and parents who are concerned about the new criteria being introduced by the NCSE, which have been referred to, and about a reduction following a review. I do not know how this can make any sense. If a new student who requires SNA support comes into a school in the middle of November because they have moved into the area, does this mean that a school cannot apply for additional support for that child, or another SNA if one is needed? Is that Ms Cockerill's understanding of it?