No cut in special needs resources

A NUMBER of inaccuracies appeared in your paper’s reporting and editorial copy (July 26) regarding the provision in schools of special needs assistants for children who have a special educational need.

There was no announcement from the Department of Education and Science regarding the cutting of resources in this area.

There are more than 7,000 SNAs supporting children in our schools, up from a mere 300 in 1998. Additional resources continue to be allocated at both primary and post-primary level.

There has been no policy change regarding the allocation of such assistants, by the National Council for Special Education through the local special needs organiser, for children with autism or any special need. Allocation of SNA support, through the local SENO, is based on each child’s assessed individual needs.

A reduction in school allocation may be made by a SENO where a pupil, in respect of whom an SNA has been allocated, has left the school.

In some cases the SNA resources may be reorganised within a school depending on the needs of individual children. A change arising out of a reorganisation may also be as a result of a child making successful progress and requiring less SNA support.

Regarding the payment of home tuition grants, claims are received both monthly and quarterly in arrears. Generally, a claim is processed within three weeks of receipt.

With the end of the school year and an increase in the volume of claims submitted, processing has taken slightly longer, but every effort is being made to finalise claims and issue payments to parents.

This year more than €630million is being targeted at delivering services for pupils with special educational needs. It should be acknowledged the Government continues to prioritise supporting their needs. It does not engage in “playing politics” with those who most need support.

Mary Hanafin TD

Minister for Education and Science

Dept of Education and Science

Marlborough St

Dublin 1