Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I apologise if my reply was not clear, but I reiterate that no SNAs will be lost owing to budgetary cuts. The same SNA provision will be made next year as in previous years. Changes to the SNA allocation in a school relate to the evolving care needs of its pupils. For example, children may have diminishing care needs over time or a number of children will leave school at the end of each academic year and the school population may change over time. I am aware of a number of parents who are happy that their child no longer needs an SNA in a school setting. Assessment of service is ongoing to ensure children who genuinely need SNA support are getting it and those who have reached a point where they do not need such support no longer receive it in order that resources can be allocated where they are badly needed. It is not in the interests of a child for the NCSE to leave an SNA in place where he or she has achieved greater independence because this can impact negatively on his or her development.

We trust, as we should, the NCSE to make these decisions on the care needs of children. We will be in a difficult place if we seek to somehow usurp or undermine that expertise. I have no problem engaging further with the Deputy in an effort to address his valid concerns and perhaps provide a more detailed response for him on the decision taken regarding the school in question. It is important to stress, however, that SNAs are not removed because of budgetary reductions; they are removed because the care needs of children within schools are evolving.

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