Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
426. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current number of SNA’s employed in special class and special school settings; and to make a statement on the matter. [68903/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra447. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current number of special needs assistants employed in mainstream classes, by primary level and second level. [68901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 447 together.
This government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
I fully understand having seen first-hand the central role SNAs play in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools.
The number of SNAs allocated to schools nationally has increased by 45% between the 2020/21 school year and the present. Funding for 3,000 additional SNAs is being provided to bring the total number of SNAs to over 26,000 in 2026 and into 2027.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for ensuring that all additional SNA posts funded through Budget 2026 are allocated to mainstream, special classes and special schools to meet the care needs in these sectors. The NCSE publishes details of SNAs allocated to every school on their website and the details can be accessed at the following link:
2026-2027 School Allocations - Dataset - NCSE Open Data
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 achieve their full potential.
