Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
213. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a student (details supplied) in County Mayo does not have access to a special needs assistant in secondary school despite having an SNA at primary level; his views on whether this student should have an SNA with a braille qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17298/14]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I understand that the pupil in question has access to SNA support in school.
Circular 0030/2014, which issued to schools on 10th April 2014, sets out my Department's policy in relation to the SNA scheme. The Circular explains that children with acute sensory impairment such as visual or hearing impairment have particular and distinct care needs which are of a non teaching nature. For pupils with visual impairment, SNAs may assist in the preparation of Braille materials, tactical graphics, assistive technology equipment, large print assists, and also assist with orientation and mobility throughout the school day.
The recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised. My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. Should a parent be dissatisfied with the manner in which the resources or facilities which have been provided to support their child's education are being applied in school, they should raise this matter directly with their school Principal or the Board of Management of the school. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
