Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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168. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a SNA will be reinstated for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24496/24]

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.

SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools. They ensure that these students are able to access an education which enables them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will inform schools of their SNA allocation for the 2024/25 school year in the coming days. SNAs are allocated to schools as a school based resource and schools deploy SNAs in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.

Schools can apply to the NCSE for a review of this allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website.

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.