Ms Angela Corcoran:

In terms of recruitment, we do not have a supply issue with SNAs. We meet and consult regularly with stakeholders. School leaders and management bodies are telling us that they are not having difficulty recruiting SNAs. We can see by looking at statistics in terms of the SNAs courses available that there is a steady flow - about 4,000 a year - coming from level 5 courses. That supply is there and there is no reported difficulty there. It is obviously something we need to keep closely monitored.

In terms of morale, we recognise that the SNA workforce feels that it needs supports. That is why the SNA workforce development unit that I lead on was established. It is also why we are working on an SNA workforce development plan because we recognise those supports are needed.