Thomas Gould
Ceist:367. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the number of SNAs at a school (details supplied); why the numbers have been cut for 2024/25; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44029/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 November 2024
Ceisteanna (367, 369)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:369. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the number of SNAs at a school (details supplied); why the numbers have been cut for 2024/25; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44051/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 369 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs). SNA allocations to schools are posted on the NCSE's website annually. This information is broken down by county and school for ease of reference.
The published information shows that the school referred to by the Deputy has had 5.83 SNA posts allocated to it since the 2021/22 school year. This allocation has remained in place each year since then. The NCSE have confirmed that as of 2 Oct 2024 this allocation has been increased to 7.3 whole time SNA posts.
It is open to schools to apply to the NCSE for a review of its SNA allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website
At the end of June this year there were over 21,000 SNAs allocated to schools nationwide. Budget 2025 builds on this figure providing an additional 1,600. These SNAs will support children with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools.
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.