Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
20. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she is taking to ensure the stability of special needs assistant allocations in County Clare following the distress caused to schools, children and parents by the proposed NCSE review earlier in 2026; whether she will confirm that no school in Clare will face a reduction in SNA support for the 2026-2027 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28760/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is strongly committed to supporting children with special educational needs to achieve their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
By the end of this year there will be almost 25,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools. It should be noted that in the last 5 years in County Clare, the number of SNAs have grown from 394 to 519, which is an increase of 32%.
I visited a number of schools in county Clare last May and saw first hand the wonderful work that is being done in those schools to support children with special educational needs.
SNAs play a key role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools.
In February I confirmed that I had listened to and engaged intensively with stakeholders to ensure that all of the concerns raised were fully understood. As is always the case I did this with a view to ensuring children with special educational needs are appropriately supported.It was agreed that there will be no reductions to special needs assistants for the next school year 2026/27.
All schools reviewed by the NCSE and allocated additional resources will receive them in the upcoming school year.
The SNA redeployment scheme, the SNA workforce development plan and changes to a 2014 circular outlining the role of a SNA will be advanced before any further decisions are taken.
Following agreement and publication of these key documents, the NCSE can commence reviews of supports provided to schools for the 2027/28 academic year which will uphold the integrity of the process, which allocates supports based on the needs of children.
The NCSE has responsibility for ensuring that the additional 1,717 SNA posts funded through Budget 2026 are allocated to mainstream, special classes and special schools to meet the care needs in these sectors.
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.
