29. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special education teachers and SNAs allocated to schools in County Mayo for the past three years; if further increases are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53692/26]

This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to achieve their full potential.

The primary responsibility for the education of all pupils, including those with special education learning or care need, is the class teacher or subject teacher.

The special education teaching (SET) allocation provides schools with additional teaching hours to support the learning needs of students and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

It should be noted that schools in County Mayo have seen an overall increase of almost 10% in special education teachers and over 18% increase in the number of SNAs in the last 3 years.

In addition to the NCSE allocations an additional temporary 352.5 SET hours per week and 22.5 SNA posts is assigned under the temporary Ukrainian/IPAS scheme of support for schools in Mayo.

Where the NCSE identifies the need for additional resources going forward they will be provided so that are available to schools ahead of the relevant school year.

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 reach their full potential.