Minister pauses review of SNA allocations after backlash

Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton has paused a review of special needs assistant (SNA) allocations after public backlash.

The opposition had highlighted concerns from teachers, parents and trade unions on whether SNA supports would be reduced at some schools in the next academic year.

In a statement on Monday, Ms Naughton said the review of SNA allocations would be paused while government engages “intensively” with the concerns raised.

“Delivering a world-class education system, particularly for young people with special educational needs, is a priority for me as Minister for Education & Youth and for this Government,” she said.

“Some three billion euros has been provided in 2026 for special education, building on investment over previous years.

“The number of SNAs in our schools has increased by 45% since 2020, and an additional 1,700 SNAs will support our children this year compared with during 2025.

“This means there will be 25,000 SNAs in schools in September 2026.

“There will be more SNAs in every county, in mainstream, special classes and special schools in September 2026 than today.

“I, and Minister (Michael) Moynihan as Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, am committed to delivering for children with special educational needs.

“SNAs play a critical role in our schools – I know how much they mean to school communities, parents and the children they support.

“I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers.

“I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care.

“To that end, I am pausing the review of the SNA allocations.

“I, the Tanaiste and the Taoiseach are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported.”

Ms Naughton said no further letters on SNA review outcomes will be issued until discussions had concluded in the coming weeks.

In a testy exchange on the topic during Leaders’ Questions on Tuesday afternoon, Micheal Martin did admit: “I do accept the manner in which letters went out did cause concerns.”

But he added: “No SNAs will lose their job because there’s a redeployment scheme.”

“We have to acknowledge school is progression, children move on from one school to another, it’s not plausible that there wouldn’t be reviews.”

Mr Martin continued: “Different needs will arise on an annual basis.

“New children will come into schools.

“Some schools that didn’t have a need will develop a need because of the number of children coming into school in a new year.”

The Taoiseach said 68% of the 585 that were part of the review “will either see no change or an increase in their SNA allocation” and about 190 will see a reduction.

The Government and the National Council for Special Education will work with the schools which have been impacted, he said.

But Mr Martin said he did not believe “any school should lose six SNAs, as was reported yesterday evening”.

He also said he believed any changes should be “gradual”.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the Government was “going to review the review”, which she said was “absolutely no use to anyone, in fact I would argue that will add to the anxiety”.