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Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2016

Thursday, 29 September 2016

Ceisteanna (117)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

117. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements in place to cover periods in schools where a special needs assistant, SNA, may not be available due to illness; his views on whether the absence of the SNA is not a health and safety issue and one that affects the special needs pupil adversely and therefore one that needs to be addressed urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27900/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Special Needs Assistants (SNA) may be employed by recognised schools or Education and Training Boards.

The provision of SNA support is made through an independent process managed by the National Council for Special Education.

The criteria by which SNA support is allocated to pupils is set out in my Department's Circular 0030/2014.

The purpose of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme is to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs.   

Provision for substitute cover is made by my Department in all instances where an SNA is unable to perform his/her duties because of illness or injury.

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