Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The purpose of Circular 0030/2014 is not to reduce the number of SNA posts in schools but to clarify the role and purpose of SNA support and ensure it is targeted at those pupils who need it. My officials consulted school management bodies prior to issuing the circular and are setting up further meetings with management bodies and parent representative groups to allay fears.

Last December the Government approved an extra 390 SNA posts for the period to the end of December 2014, which means that there are now almost 11,000 SNAs available to work with children who have an assessed care need in primary, post-primary and special schools. There are some 10,965 posts available for allocation, of which 10,656 SNA posts have been allocated, more than at any time previously. This means that rather than a reduction in the number of SNA posts, there is provision for a further 309 posts to be allocated to schools to the end of December. These extra posts will ensure the Government's policy of ensuring every child assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to support. Implementation of the circular should ensure children's care needs are better understood in order that SNAs can work more effectively to assist children.

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