Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014
258. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reinstate the special needs assistant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22825/14]
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 is currently in receipt of Resource Teaching and SNA support. Circular 0030/2014, which issued to schools on 10 April 2014, sets out my Department's policy in relation to the SNA scheme. The NCSE allocates a quantum of SNA support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support.
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.
