Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
506. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ask Department officials to examine and seek to resolve an issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5926/26]
View answerEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
Special needs assistants (SNAs) posts are allocated to schools as a school-based resource. Principals/board of managements deploy SNAs within schools to meet the care support requirements of the students enrolled whom SNA support has been allocated. This provides schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE has published the SNA allocations for the 2025/26 school year. For ease of reference these allocations are broken down by school type and are available on the NCSE's website.
If a school feels like it has insufficient SNA support to meet the needs of its students an application can be submitted to the NCSE requesting a review of its allocation. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's website. Each case is individually assessed and is based on the student profile of each school.
Schools can appeal an allocation review decision to the Appeals Advisory Committee (ACC) if they feel the review process was not followed correctly or a substantial error was made. This committee comprises of an independent chairperson, a representative of school management bodies and a parent representative. The decision of the AAC is final, however, it is important to note that a school may request a further review at any stage should the care needs of the students enrolled change
The NCSE can also make a local special educational needs organiser (SENO) available to the school to discuss their deployment of SNA supports in the school and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. The NCSE in-school support service is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.
The NCSE have confirmed that the SNA review at the school was completed in October. The NCSE have further advised that the school have submitted an appeal to the review. This review is being processed.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
