Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
359. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary schools in counties Wicklow and Wexford that have had their allocation of SNA hours reduced; the number of schools that have lost their SNA positions; in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14357/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully 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.
SNAs play a key role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools.
In February I announced that I had listened to concerns and engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised were really understood and children with special educational needs are fully 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 are allocated to mainstream, special classes and special schools to meet the care needs in these locations.
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.
