Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a school (details supplied) can have its staffing allocation for 2020/2021 reviewed in line with the needs of its staff and pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8027/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in special schools, in accordance with the policies of my Department.

Enhanced pupil teacher and SNA ratios are provided to special schools to support them in dealing with pupils' educational and care needs.

Since 2012, special schools are staffed on the basis of individual pupil profile and the disability categorisations of those pupils, as opposed to being based primarily on school designation, in accordance with my Department's most recent Circular 0032/2019 - Appointment of Administrative Deputy Principal and Staffing in Special Schools.

Arrangements in Special school staffing alloctions are reviewed and updated each year by the NCSE and special schools are staffed on the basis of each year’s current school enrolments.

The NCSE are engaging with the school on their staffing allocation for 2020-21, and this will be advised to the school shortly,