Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a student (details supplied) will be entitled to 20 hours of SNA support when they start secondary school, on the basis that it has been advised by their care team that they will need full-time SNA hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28021/24]

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.

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.

My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools to ensure each child is is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.