Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2025
63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to clarify the role and remit of special educational needs organisers in the allocation of SNA hours/posts to schools, particularly in relation to recommendations for reduced timetables in the absence of appropriate supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21314/25]
View answerIn recent years, the NCSE has undergone a significant transformational change. This has included a restructuring of the organisation and a 67% increase in its workforce, which combine to provide an increased and responsive support within communities.
At local level, the NCSE has doubled the number of support teams available to parents and schools, throughout the country, from a 10 team structure to a 20 team structure.
All special educational needs organisers (SENO) grades are now assigned on a county basis and undertake caseloads associated with that county only, on a reduced caseload basis.
To support these staff, additional administrative staff have also been allocated and this allows SENOs to concentrate on working directly with schools and families.
This allows for an integrated community-based service which is conducive to the development of key relationships between NCSE staff, parents, and schools in the provision of services to students with special educational needs.
The additional SENOs, additional administrative support and revised caseload allocations contribute to a comprehensive level of localised cover.
The special educational needs organisers are employees of the National Council for Special Education and as such my department does not have a direct input in relation to the role and remit of the SENO.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I have forwarded this issue to them for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.
