Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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255.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a girl based in County Leitrim (details supplied) cannot access a full-time SNA given the severe difficulties experienced by the young girl and the progressive nature of this condition; and if she agrees that Leitrim children’s disability network should be allocated a physiotherapist for its client base. [25222/24]

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.

The NCSE is responsible for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). 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 their students.

The NCSE has confirmed that the SNA allocation has not reduced in the school referred to by the Deputy, nor has the school requested a review of its SNA allocation. Any school who feels that their allocation is insufficient to meet the needs of its students can apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website.

The provision of health-related therapy services, including physiotherapy, is a matter for the HSE and queries in relation to therapy services should be directed to the HSE or to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Matters in relation to the HSE’s Children's Disability Network Teams, the treatment abroad scheme, waiting times for MRI scans and the availability of expertise for the treatment of rare medical conditions should also be directed to the HSE.

My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.