Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith has called on the Minister for Education to ensure that delays in sanctioning supports for children with special needs are eliminated as a matter of urgency.

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “Recently, I raised again in Dáil Éireann through further Parliamentary Questions, the need for supports for children with special needs to be put in place in a timely manner and have delays in sanctioning posts reduced.

“There has been a welcome increase in the level of resources for special education and this progress needs to be continued. In circumstances where changes occur during the school year there needs to be a quick response when additional supports are sought by a school in respect of a particular pupil or pupils.  The exceptional review process is extremely important and needs to respond to the needs of the individual child in a timely manner.

The Cavan and Monaghan TD added: “The Minister in her response to my Parliamentary Question outlined that the allocation of SNA’s in 2021 has enabled the establishment of new special classes, creation of new places in special schools and support for children in mainstream classes for this school year.  

“This significant increase in support is welcome and, of course, further improvements in the whole area of supports for children with special needs will enhance admirably school and learning provision,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.