Sharp rise in number of special needs assistants in Mayo schools

Schools in Mayo have seen an overall increase of almost 10% in special education teachers and over 18% increase in the number of SNAs in the last three years.

In addition to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) allocations an additional temporary 352.5 SET hours per week and 22.5 SNA posts is assigned under the temporary Ukrainian/IPAS scheme of support for schools in Mayo.

Where the NCSE identifies the need for additional resources going forward they will be provided so that are available to schools ahead of the relevant school year.

Minister Michael Moynihan said the Department of Education 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.

He was responding to a question raised by Mayo TD Keira Keogh.