Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
345. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the total number of special needs assistants in 2023-2024; the provisional allocation for special needs assistants for 2024-2025, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19334/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting these children
SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
In 2023 there was over 20,000 SNAs in schools. The NCSE publish the SNA allocations for each school year in tabular form, by school and county on its website.
The allocations of SNAs for the 2024/25 school year is currently underway. Schools will be advised of allocations as soon as possible and in line with previous years timelines.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
