Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when schools will receive their SNA allocation this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23354/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

Special needs assistant (SNA) allocations for the 2024/2025 school year are presently being developed by the department and will be advised to schools as soon as possible and in line with previous years’ timelines.

My department allocated 1,194 additional SNAs to schools in the past year and Budget 2024 provides for a further 1,216. These SNAs will be allocated as follows: 806 to support students in new special classes, 150 to support students in new special school places and 260 to support students in mainstream classes.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.