Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied); if a review can be carried out by her Department for the school to see if there is an adequate number of SNA staff in the school; if additional SNA staffing can be considered for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56148/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs, including the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs). I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.

The NCSE issues guidance each year to schools regarding SNA reviews and the guidance for 2025/26 school year issued on the 12 September 2025. The SNA allocation review window outlined in these guidelines, from 15 September 2025 to 24 October 2025, is now open and relates to schools who believe they do not have sufficient SNAs to support their care needs at present.

In addition, a school can apply to the NCSE at any time during the school year, as in previous years, for a review where emerging or new care needs arise. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's website. Each case is individually assessed and is based on the student profile of each school.

Following the outcome of the review, the NCSE can make a local special educational needs organiser (SENO) available to the school to discuss their deployment of SNA supports in the school and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. The NCSE in-school support service is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.