Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had intended to make the point that each school can take account of the learning needs of children, as evidenced by performance in schools but also supported where relevant by information is provided regarding the nature of a condition a pupil may have.

A process is available where schools can seek a review of their special education teaching allocation by the NCSE, including the utilisation of their allocations. Detailed information on the NCSE review process is published on the NCSE website.

The SNA scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or their peers, with a view to developing their independent living skills. There are almost 100 SNAs allocated across primary and post-primary schools in County Carlow. Almost 239 SNA posts are allocated across schools in County Carlow. Almost 100 of these SNAs are allocated for mainstream classes with the remainder assigned to special classes.

SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school-based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual principal and board of management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.

I should also highlight that there are currently 45 special classes in County Carlow. Of these, 30 are at primary level and 15 are at post-primary level. Over the past three years, seven new special classes at primary and two new special classes at post-primary level have been provided to Carlow.

I thank the Deputy for raising the important issues she has articulated. I will convey her concerns to both the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, and the Minister.

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