I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 311 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. I can confirm that the schools inspectorate has no responsibilities in this regard and there is no reason it would need to be involved in this process.
I am not aware of any particular concerns of special needs assistants, SNAs, or parents relating to the allocation of SNA posts. An application for SNA support is made to the local special education needs organiser, SENO, by the school on behalf of the pupil. The SENO will consider the application and where the care needs of the pupil have been clearly identified in a professional report and the criteria for the allocation of such support as outlined in Department circular 07/02 is met, the support will be granted and the school will be informed of the decision. The parents will also be notified by either the principal or the principal and the SENO. The support may be granted on an individual or shared basis depending on the care needs of the child. It is envisaged that each decision will be reviewed at least on a yearly basis but they may be reviewed in a shorter timeframe if necessary, for example, if new relevant information is available.