Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the criteria for the appointment of special needs assistants in primary schools; if he will extend the criteria to include the education needs of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21220/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I wish to advise the Deputy that there are now over 19,000 staff in our schools working solely with children with special needs. This includes almost 10,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) — compared with just 300 in 1997.

SNAs are sanctioned by special education needs organisers to schools specifically to assist in the care of pupils and students with disabilities in an educational context, in line with my Department's circulars.

The Deputy will be aware that SNAs and teachers have separate yet complementary roles. SNAs provide care support to pupils with special educational needs who have been assessed as having such needs while teachers deliver education to the pupils. I have no plans, at present, to formally extend the SNA role to be that of a para-educator.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently commenced a value for money and policy review of the special needs assistant scheme. It is expected that the review will be completed during 2009.