Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
507. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary schools in Kilkenny and Carlow and in each county which have access to an SNA; the number of schools that do not have access to an SNA; the number of SNA’s allocated to each school, by county for each of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form [17025/26]
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.
My department has been steadily building the level of special need assistant (SNA) support in our education system. This school year there will be over 21,000 SNAs allocated to schools, working in our education system committed to supporting and nurturing students with special educational needs, enabling them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential. Budget 2026 provides for a further 1,717 SNA posts which will bring the total number of SNAs to almost 25,000 by the end of 2026.
The NCSE has responsibility for the allocation of SNA nationwide therefore I have asked the NCSE to reply directly to your request for statistical data. Details of SNA allocations to schools by school year are published on the NCSE website. It is important to remember that when the NCSE allocates a SNA post, the board of management as the employer, is responsible for filling the vacancy.
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.
