We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Scoil Bhríde SNA allocation

Summary

Deputy Geoghegan cites Scoil Bhríde’s proposed loss of an SNA and asks whether it should appeal; the Taoiseach confirms the review is paused and recommends that affected schools appeal.

I welcome the decision by the Minister for Education and Youth to pause the review and the support of the Government for that decision. A school in my constituency, Scoil Bhríde, had applied for an additional SNA and was told that not only would it not get an additional SNA, it would lose an SNA that had been with the school. That is a good example of where a school has clearly identified an additional need and the review has gotten it wrong.

I acknowledge that the Taoiseach is saying now that appeals should be submitted. I just want clarity. As the matter is paused, should a school like this submit an appeal even while the pause is ongoing? Separately, I acknowledge the overall issue about ensuring we have the correct SNA allocations. Another school in my constituency, Star of the Sea Boys National School, made an application for an SNA for a child who is in a special class because the special class could not support the child without an additional SNA. An appeal on this matter is due to be heard by the NCSE on 27 February. I hope there is a positive outcome with the appeal, and I hope that those types of appeals are not paused. I want a positive outcome in this case in order that the SNA will be allocated to Star of the Sea so the child can go to a special class in a school in his own community.

Comment on this

I cannot get into individual allocations in specific schools without being aware of the details. That is a matter for the National Council for Special Education in the first instance. Yes, the school should appeal. The review has been paused. It was to continue until March. The Minister is going to engage with the NCSE. For those schools where decisions have been taken, there will be engagement between the NCSE and those schools, but I always recommend that schools should appeal any given decision. It strengthens its position overall.

Comment on this