Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

An additional 1,165 SNAs were allocated in the budget. They came on stream since January 2022 and will be allocated during the year. Sometimes what happens is that a school has an allocation of SNAs and then it may get new children with additional needs in and, therefore, it has a requirement that may not have been anticipated at the beginning. The NCSE has a criteria that it takes into account when allocating SNAs, including a baseline component, socioeconomic, gender, and the range of complex needs. It can be quite niche in terms of how the number of SNAs are allocated. In fairness, the NCSE always tries to endeavour that each school has sufficient capacity, but it is not always achieved and that is why the exceptional review is available.

On special schools, the Deputy will be aware that we opened a school in Carrigaline in Cork. Danu Community Special School was opened in Dublin before I came into this position. We have also opened Our Lady of Hope School.

There is always a place for special schools and the Department and the National Council for Special Education are always amenable to opening a special school where it is needed. The Deputy is correct to say that education is a right. It is right but it does not specify that it is a right in one's particular locality. This is not to say that we do not endeavour to do that, because we do this for all children and not just children with additional needs. In general, the Department will try to do that and in particular, there is an argument for children with additional needs. As the Deputy noted, we do not want them having to travel extensively to the nearest education facility. Where there is a demand, the most important thing is that the SENOs are aware of that in the National Council for Special Education in order that they can plan accordingly in providing either more special classes, more special schools, or classes in mainstream schools. As I said earlier, most children with additional needs are in mainstream as opposed to special classes or special schools. There are some 8,000 children in special schools and about 8,000 in special classes. Where there is a need, I want to be aware of it. If the Deputy ever has information where she knows of children with additional needs who need spaces then please do let me know and make sure that I am aware of it.