Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
294. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to publish the focused policy assessment of the special needs assistants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22420/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent years have seen very significant increases in the number of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) which are being provided to school to support children with special educational care needs. The number of SNA posts available for allocation to schools has increased from 10,575 posts in 2011, to 12,040 to June 2016. In the same period the number of children accessing SNA support has grown from approximately 22,000 to some 30,000 by the end of 2015.
The increase in SNA numbers has also been supported by a very significant increase in the Budget for SNAs, rising from €332 million in 2011 to €402 million by the end of 2015.
This has provided for a higher level of SNA support than ever before, which ensures that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs.
However, it is also incumbent upon us to continue to review the scheme in order to ensure that the scheme is meeting its objectives to support children with special needs in schools, in the intended manner. A further review of the scheme was undertaken, which took the form of a Focussed Policy Assessment (FPA).
This FPA forms part of the Department of Education and Skills (DES) commitment to the Public Spending Code (PSC) and evidence informed policy making. Throughout this process, the priority is what the best form of additional investment is for children with special educational needs and how to provide the best possible outcomes for those children.
The Report of the FPA will be published shortly and next steps will be considered.
