Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 July 2024
294. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the number of special needs assistants currently employed by her Department; the number of sanctioned SNA posts; the estimated full-year cost of employing these SNAs; the average cost of each SNA to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28853/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial needs assistant (SNA) play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
In 2024, the number of SNA posts in our schools will increase by 1,216. This will mean we will have over 21,700 SNA posts available to support the care needs of students with special educational needs.
At the end of the 2023/24 school year the National Council for Special Education had allocated 21,071 SNA posts to schools. When a school has been allocated an SNA, the board of management as the employer, is responsible for filling the vacancy. The decision on whether to employ a full-time SNA to fill a full-time post, or to employ an equivalent number of part-time SNAs rests with the employer. Therefore the number of SNAs employed is not to hand.
The approximate annual cost of a new entrant SNA post is €32,740 and the average salary cost of an SNA post (including employer PRSI) is €40,860. Based on an allocation of 21,700 SNA posts, the estimated full-year cost of employing SNAs is €886,662,000.
