1275. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the SNA allocations for each second level school in Dublin Mid-West for the 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027 school years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57079/26]

1277. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the SNA allocations for each primary level school in Dublin Mid-West for the 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027 school years; in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57081/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1275 and 1277 together.

Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

Special education funding will exceed €3 billion in 2026 – up 58% since 2020 and the highest amount ever provided.

SNAs play a key role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential. The number of special needs assistants (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

It is important to note that there have been increases in SNAs in all counties and across all education settings since 2020, including mainstream, special classes and special schools.

The NCSE publishes the data requested on their website at the following link SET Hours, Special Class Teachers and SNA Allocations - NCSE for each school including those in Dublin Mid-West.

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.