Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
184 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the situation regarding special needs assistants provision in a school (details supplied) for the 2012/2013 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26866/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra186 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a situation regarding special needs assistant provision in a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the effect of the reduction on the pupils concerned; if he will outline his latest position on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26871/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 186 together.
The National Council for Special Education is responsible for allocating Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department. All schools were advised to apply to the NCSE for SNA support for the 2012/13 school year by 16th March, 2012. In considering applications for SNA support for the new school year, the NCSE will take into account the individual care needs of all qualifying children, supports freed up due to any school leavers, and the identified care needs of newly enrolled children with special educational needs.
Schools will be advised by the NCSE of their SNA allocation for the 2012/13 school year by June of this year. It is open to schools to contact their local SENO in this regard, using the contact details available onwww.ncse.ie. The NCSE is also developing an appeals process which is intended to be in place for the 2012/13 school year allocations process.
