Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in September 2016 I requested the NCSE to lead the Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme. The Review set out to ensure that the Scheme is achieving the best outcomes possible for children with special educational needs.

The Review which was published by the NCSE on the 30th of May this year identifies and recommends how, in the future, the additional care needs of students, over and above those needs that could be reasonably be expected to be managed by teaching staff, should be met.

In undertaking the Review the NCSE consulted widely to seek the views of the many stakeholders involved. These included parents, students, SNAs, teacher representatives, SNA representatives, school management, advocacy groups, principals, HSE professionals, Department of Education and Skills officials and other relevant Government departments. I understand that the union to which you refer was afforded two opportunities to contribute during the consultation stage of the review process. All of the views expressed were considered as part of the Review and informed the subsequent recommendations.

My Department is developing proposals to implement the recommendations of the Review. This will involve further substantial engagement with key Department and agencies as well as consultation with all relevant stakeholders.