Special Educational Needs

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Questions (75)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

75. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will engage as a matter of urgency with a school (details supplied) in relation to the allocation of an extra special needs assistant, which is required for a student in an ASD class for the coming school year; if there is any cap or freeze on the recruitment of special needs assistants; if so to, the specific criteria being used to make these decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32932/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.

The NCSE advised all schools on the week of 6 June of their SNA allocation for the upcoming school year. The NCSE is responsible for the allocation of SNAs to schools, my department does not have a role in the allocation process. I have therefore forwarded the school's details to them for their attention and direct reply.

Deputies are also welcome to raise such matters with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.