Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2019
112. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated number of children with additional care needs in each of the years 2020 to 2025 who will require the support of a special needs assistant in tabular form. [43716/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of education for children with special needs is an ongoing priority for Government. Currently, we spend almost 20% of the total Education Vote of €1.9bn on supporting children with special needs.
The numbers of special classes, special education teachers and Special Needs Assistants are at unprecedented levels and so too is the number of children receiving support across the continuum that includes mainstream classes, special classes and schools. Our commitment is provide each child with an education in accordance with his/her need.
Budget 2019 provided for 950 additional SNA posts. To date over 900 of these posts have been allocated with the remainder expected to be allocated by the end of the year.
By the end of this year, there will be up to 15,950 SNAs working in our schools and increase of over 51% since 2011, supporting in the region of 37,500 pupils.
Budget 2020 has provided for 1,064 additional SNAs posts which will bring the total number of SNA posts in schools to over 17,000 in 2020.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs.
