Seán Kyne, Government Chief Whip, Aire don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin has confirmed that 864 Special Needs Assistants will be supporting pupils in schools across Galway for the coming school year. The total reflects an increased allocation of 36 extra Special Needs Assistants for Galway.
From September, Galway will receive an extra 36 Special Needs Assistants which brings to over 864 the number of SNAs helping pupils in schools across Galway City and County.
“At primary level the number of SNAs will rise from 520.8 to 545.34 – an increase of almost 25. At secondary level the number of SNAs supporting pupils will rise from 185 to 195.75 – an increase of over ten. Meanwhile, pupils at special schools in Galway will receive support from 123 SNAs,” he said.
“Nationally, the allocations bring to 15,950 Special Needs Assistants working in our schools, providing vital support and assistance to pupils helping them to participate and reach their educational potential.
“The SNA allocations reflect unparalleled investment in special educational needs by the Fine Gael-led Government with €560 million for SNAs as part of a total €1.9 billion investment secured by Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD.
“With this allocation the number of Special Needs Assistants in Galway will, by September, have increased to 864 from 599 in October 2011 – an increase of over 44% - helping children with special educational needs to fulfil their potential,” concluded Minister Kyne.
