Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
516. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is satisfied with the approach taken to SNA reviews in mainstream schools in cases which involve children who would otherwise be in a special school; the extent to which such review result in additional SNA resourcing; the median timeframe for this, from review to extra SNA staff being provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling 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 attend mainstream classes with their peers, supported by special education teachers (SETs) and special needs assistants (SNAs). 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.
The process for allocating SNAs has been in place since 2014 and has not changed this year. SNA allocations for the 2025/26 school year were notified to schools in June 2025. The NCSE Guidelines for the Review of SNA Allocations 2025/26 https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/NCSE_SNA_Guidelines.pdf issued to schools on the 12 September 2025. In response to concerns raised the NCSE subsequently published the Clarification Document to be read in accompaniment with NCSE SNA Guidelines. https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Clarification-Document-to-be-read-in-accompaniment-with-NCSE-SNA-Guidelines-8.10.2025.pdf
The NCSE continues to respond to increased demand for SNA support as is reflected growing SNA workforce which now numbers more than 23,000, an increase of 43% in the last 5 years alone. Some review requests can be concluded as an office-based exercise, whilst others require a school to be visited in order to observe the current deployment of SNA support in the school setting.
The timeframe for concluding a review can vary depending on the school context or the nature of the information provided. Where the review results in an increase in SNA resources the provisions of DEY Circular Recruitment and Appointment Procedures for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/recruitment-and-appointment-procedures-for-special-needs-assistants-snas/ must be followed.
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.
