Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
176. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the significant reduction in the SNA allocation for a school (details supplied); the basis for this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is concerned about the impact that the significant reduction in the SNA allocation for a school (details supplied) will have on the students that require this support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13397/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding any engagement she has had with the NCSE in relation to the reduction of SNA allocations to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13398/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there is any policy or instruction in place with the NCSE regarding the reduction of SNA allocations for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13399/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been brought to the concerns of school principals that are fearful that their school will face a reduction in their SNA allocation pending an assessment by the NCSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the supports that will be made available for any SNA that has been told they will not have a job in their current school for the 2026/2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13401/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding any engagement she has had with unions representing SNAs that have been told they will not have a job in their current school for the 2026/2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13402/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 182, inclusive, together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision and care support for children and young people with special educational needs in our schools, including the allocation of special needs assistant (SNA) support to schools.
SNAs are very important in supporting students with additional and significant care needs take part in school life. Because of this, the department has been increasing SNA numbers for many years. There are now over 23,000 SNAs working in schools. By the end of the 2026/27 school year, this number will be close to 25,000 across mainstream classes, special classes, and special schools.
Since 2020/21, the number of SNAs in schools has grown by 45%. Every county has seen an increase in SNA support over this period.
SNAs work as part of a whole-school team to support students with special educational needs. This team also includes nearly 22,000 special education teachers nationwide.
The number of SNAs a school needs can change for different reasons, such as changes in student numbers, changes in individual care needs, or students moving from primary to post-primary school. When the NCSE reviews SNA allocations, it looks closely at the care needs of students in each school. This helps make sure that SNA support goes where it is most needed. The role of the SNA is set out in DEY Circular 30/2014 and the NCSE process for SNA reviews is consistent with its provisions.
Every SNA review undertaken by the NCSE is a detailed and specific review of the care needs profile in that individual school. Where the NCSE identify during the review that the care needs have increased in an individual schools the necessary SNA resources to support those needs schools are provided.
Minister Naughton and I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. In light of concerns raised, we have paused the review of the SNA allocations.
Minister Naughton and I, as well as the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach, are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported.
No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks.
The 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.
