Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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40. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on reports that the cost of increasing the number of the number of school special needs assistants to acceptable levels is a matter of concern to the Department of Finance and to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50189/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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It is a core goal of the Action Plan for Education that every child should have an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential in school. Indeed, this has received strong legislative endorsement through the provisions of the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act of 2004 which provides for the inclusive education of pupils with special educational needs.

This has required a very substantial expansion in both special education teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs).

In total, the number of SNAs available is currently 13,990, which represents an increase of over 32% since 2011, when 10,575 posts were available. 

There are now over 34,000 children receiving the support of SNAs.  Almost 60% of these children are supported to participate in mainstream schools. We have also more than doubled the number of special classes, where 20% of the children are supported, while the remainder are supported in special schools.  

SNA support is provided to ensure that all pupils who have care needs can participate in education, including pupils attending special schools, or special classes, or who may be attending mainstream education and need additional support.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent body which has responsibility for allocating SNA support to schools, in accordance with the criteria set out in my Departments Circular DES 30/2014.  

The NCSE decides how much SNA support is required in each school and makes allocations to schools.

The NCSE are carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the SNA scheme aimed at providing better outcomes for students and ensuring we are making the best additional investment for children with special educational needs. This Government is committed to ensuring the best possible results for the children and students in this area. This process is the best way to deliver on that.

I have therefore asked the NCSE to conduct a comprehensive review of the SNA scheme and this review is due to be completed early next year.