Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 254: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will reduce the number of classroom assistants in schools across the State. [10721/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I presume that the Deputy is referring to special needs assistants (SNAs) allocated to schools to enable them support pupils with disabilities who also have significant care needs. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for SNA support are considered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance and where there are identified care needs arising from a diagnosed disability. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. There has been no change in the criteria governing the allocation of teaching and/or care resources to pupils with special educational needs. The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post-primary school network. However, it is also essential that we ensure that resources are allocated in accordance with the criteria laid down. There are now over 19,000 staff in our schools working solely with children with special needs. This includes over 10,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) — compared with just 300 in 1997. The Deputy will also be aware that a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Special Needs Assistant scheme is currently being undertaken by my Department. The objectives of a Value for Money and Policy Review are to analyse Exchequer spending in a systematic manner and to provide a basis on which more informed policy decisions can be made. The review is ongoing and to support the overall process it will include engagement with parent representatives, schools, education partners and other representative groups. It is expected that the review will be completed by the end of 2009.