Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

The Minister will accept that there are particular demands on DEIS schools in terms of where children come from. I accept what he said, that he has an envelope for education services. However, there are particular demands on SNA support services in DEIS schools. In many cases there is a senior and a junior school operating in tandem. When the EPSEN Act was passing through the House we talked about the provision of seamless support for those with special educational needs. I am concerned that where a junior and a senior school operate within an area the SNA supports will be retained by pupils when they move to the senior school. Would it be possible for the Minister to examine this possibility, bearing in mind the special needs of such children? What is happening in the community is being reflected in the schools and as such, there is a greater demand on teachers in DEIS schools. We should try to retain supports for pupils at first and second level. The Minister should, therefore, examine the possibility of ensuring SNA supports are maintained throughout the education process. I accept there might be difficulties in stand-alone schools, but it would be one way to address the problem. What is evident in the schools reflects what is happening in society. The demands are much greater in DEIS schools which cannot seek funding from parents. They do not have the extra supports into which other schools can tap. I urge the Minister to examine the issue and revert to me.

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