Written answer
Special Educational Needs
The Minister will refer the school’s reported SNA shortfall, affecting 15 children, to the NCSE for review and response.
526. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Youth If she will personally review the application made by a school (details supplied); if she is aware that in the last school year this school had a significant enrolment of children with higher needs and were not granted additional SNA support, resulting in 15 children who require SNA support left with no support; and if she is aware that Tusla Children in Care have had to step in to address the situation. [64717/26]
Comment on this
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
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.
SNA posts are allocated to schools as a school-based resource. Principals and boards of management deploy SNAs within schools to meet the care support requirements of the students enrolled whom SNA support has been allocated. This provides schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
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.
If a school has a concern with either their SNA allocation for the 2026/27 school year or the outcome of a SNA review/appeal, they should discuss the matter with their NCSE Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO).
As the matter raised relates to a NCSE process. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such matters with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
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.