Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
1384. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of SNAs in primary and post primary schools respectively, in County Meath, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25267/26]
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.
SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools. They help ensure that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
SNA posts are allocated to schools as a school-based resource and not to individual children. Principals/boards of management 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. 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.
The NCSE has published SNA allocations for each year back to school year 2012/2013 on their www.ncse.ie/set-hours-and-sna-allocations. For ease of reference these allocations are broken down by school and school type.
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 achieve their full potential.
