Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the application for the review of special needs assistant support for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has yet been processed; if not, when the cases are likely to be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8495/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department considered an application for special needs assistant, SNA, support for the pupils in question. Based on the supporting documentation provided the pupils do not meet the criteria for such support. The school authorities were advised of this position on 9 December 2004.

A further review is only possible if additional supporting documentation which has not been considered previously is submitted. No such documentation has been received to date.

I wish to clarify for the Deputy that SNA support may be approved to a pupil who has a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for SNA support are outlined in my Department's circular 07/02. I am making arrangements to furnish a copy of the circular to the Deputy.