Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire Mary Mitchell O’Connor has welcomed the announcement today (Tuesday, 7th July) of 610 additional SNA posts nationwide from September 2015. This additional allocation reflects Government’s commitment to ensure that every child with an assessed need has access to a SNA. 

The additional 610 posts follow a significant increase in assessed need. The Department of Education and the NCSE is to now carry out a review to ensure the SNA scheme is sustainable in meeting its objectives.

Last year Government provided for an additional 220 SNA posts for 2015.  In advance of the school year starting in September the NCSE reviews the number of valid applications received and in recent weeks has reported an additional requirement of up to 610 posts above the October 2014 estimate.

Approximately 55% of the additional posts will be provided to support students in mainstream classes while 45% of posts will serve students in special classes in mainstream schools or in special schools.

Speaking on this announcement today, Mitchell O’Connor stated: “As a disability advocate, I am in complete support of the important decision taken by Government today to put in place 610 additional SNA posts.

“I very much welcome Government’s strong commitment to supporting children in the State with an assessed care need. Every single child with such a need will now receive access to SNA support, following today’s announcement.

“I also very much welcome the review of the SNA scheme which will be carried out to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and that best use is being made of the significant resources invested.

“From my experience in visiting schools across Dun Laoghaire and in speaking to parents, I am fully aware of the huge benefits which SNAs bring to the education experience of children in the classroom.

“Today’s announcement of additional SNA posts highlights their invaluable presence and impact on the education of children with an assessed care need,” concluded Mitchell O’Connor.