Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am confident the introduction of the new appeals process will lead to a greater level of clarity on the resources. I would encourage use of the new appeals procedure by parents who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the review of their child's case. I note also that the original motion calls for a review of the SNA's role in light of schools' experience of the post and also calls for the SERC criteria for the allocation of SNAs to be reviewed.

As the House is aware, a separate value for money and policy analysis review is at an advanced stage in my Department at present. As part of this process, schools, parents, teachers, professionals and children have been consulted. Almost 100 schools have been visited by the inspectorate, NEPS and the council to establish the duties currently undertaken by SNAs. I expect to have this review completed in 2010 and the report will be published.

I support special schools and special classes, and they will continue to have a significant role in the education of pupils with special needs. I am anxious to examine ways in which special schools can act in a co-operative way with mainstream primary and post primary schools to provide enhanced services to pupils with special educational needs and their parents.

In just over ten years, the Government has driven a complete transformation in educational policy for children with special educational needs. Whereas, ten years ago, most parents of children with significant special education or care needs had no choice but to send them to a special school, they now have three distinct choices available to them: the child can attend a mainstream class in the local school with additional supports as required; attend a special class in a mainstream school; or attend a special school. The needs of students can change as they get older and mature. The system now in place provides a continuum of education and options to enable students to move from one setting to another in line with their changing needs.

I am proud of the Government's achievements in providing for the education of children with special educational needs. I will continue to prioritise investment and ensure that additional teaching and care supports are provided. I will continue to expand the educational psychological service so that every school has a direct service from NEPS. I will continue to work with the council to ensure that services for children with special needs are provided in a co-ordinated and effective manner. I will continue to provide for expert support, professional development and training.

The SNA scheme has not changed. This is the scheme that has driven an increase in SNAs from 1,500 in 2000 to 10,000 today. The criteria that qualified children for SNA support in the past ten years continue to apply, and nothing has changed.

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