Special needs assistants protest outside Leinster House over SNA allocations

Hundreds of special needs assistants, parents and children protested outside Leinster House seeking clarity after the Government paused a review of SNA allocations; the Government said it will not reduce SNA numbers at any school from September and will allocate additional staff where the NCSE recommends.

Hundreds of special needs assistants (SNAs), parents and children gathered outside Leinster House to seek clarity and certainty about planned changes to how SNAs are allocated. Earlier the Tanaiste said the Government had acknowledged getting its review of SNA allocation wrong. The review and proposed reallocation were paused after public backlash. On Monday night the Government agreed not to reduce SNA numbers at any schools from September and said additional SNAs would be allocated where the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) determines they are needed. Key facts: - A large protest took place outside Leinster House with SNAs, parents and children calling for clarity over SNA allocations. - The Tanaiste said the Government had got the review of SNA allocation wrong, and the review and reallocation process has been paused. - The Government agreed it will not reduce the number of SNAs at any school from September and that the NCSE will be followed where it recommends additional posts. Summary: The pause on the review leaves allocation decisions unsettled for some staff and families while the Government has committed not to reduce SNA numbers from September and to follow NCSE recommendations for additional support. Undetermined at this time.