Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

There has not been a 10% reduction in SNA numbers. A total of 10% were held back for very good reasons, for example, for cases where sickness or injury might occur, for new pupils and so forth. The majority of those have already been allocated to schools under the appropriate guidelines. The Deputy is aware that the number of SNAs was capped at 10,575. The Minister made a 90% allocation and held back 10%, the majority of whom are now being allocated to schools. We all have access to parents and SNA personnel to discuss the work they do and the responsibility in that regard. The Minister for Education and Skills is due to meet with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, tomorrow and any issues the council wishes to raise with him will be listened to and dealt with by the Minister directly.

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