Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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289. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the terms of reference of the review into the scheme for special needs assistants to be carried out by the National Council for Special Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22415/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that on 14th June, 2016, I announced that 860 additional Special Needs Assistants will be available for allocation to schools over the period September to December 2016, a 7% increase, in order to meet the level of identified demand.

This will bring the total number of Special Needs Assistants to 12,900, at a total gross annual cost of €425m. This increase reflects the growing participation of children with Special Needs and will support their full participation and progression within the educational system.

I also announced, at that time, that the Government has decided to proceed with a comprehensive assessment of the SNA Scheme, to be carried out by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), a significant part of which will include consultation with relevant stakeholders. The aim of this process will be to provide better outcomes for students with special educational needs and to ensure that we are making the best form of investment for children with special needs.

The terms of reference and timeframes for this assessment are currently being developed. On completion of the assessment, the NCSE will submit its report and recommendations to me.