Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for the question. The guidelines that were issued last week in relation to the SNAs were reaffirming the 2014 circular that forms the basis of SNAs being employed within schools. There was some misinformation last week in relation to it. I can assure the Deputy that the allocation of two SNAs for the special classes, of whatever form they are, is sacrosanct. It is hugely important that we get that out there. Clarification has been issued by the NCSE and there has been engagement with the union bodies over the past number of days to bring clarity on it. We are committed to ensuring that the SNAs are right across the board and that they are meeting the needs within schools.

Concerns were raised by schools and school management over the past week, but we have sought to bring clarity on it and to assure people that the role of the SNA is sacrosanct, that everybody knows it is based on the 2014 guidelines and that the allocations will be accordingly.

I take the point that there were concerns about it. I am concerned about that as well. Further clarification will be issued to ensure what we are saying.

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