Schools losing SNAs is a contradiction of government policy
Schools losing SNAs is a contradiction of government policy - The Labour Party
Labour Party education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny TD and Kildare South TD Mark Wall have called for government to intervene in cases where schools are losing SNA posts.
Deputy Eoghan Kenny TD said:
“SNA’s are deeply frustrated and concerned for their own livelihoods with these changes. With an SNA review we cannot afford to be rigid in our allocation process.
“The NCSE needs to be cognisant of all needs within the school environment. Taking away resources because of a rigid system created by the NCSE doesn’t benefit students or schools.
“Mainstream school SNAs play an essential role throughout the entire school community. They cannot be overlooked when it comes to the progression of a child in a classroom.
“The Labour Party is calling on the Minister to respond accordingly. We cannot allow this to continue when very genuine, hard working SNAs are stuck in limbo, not knowing will they have a position in a school for this September coming.”
Deputy Mark Wall said:
“Budget 2026 announced over 1,700 additional SNAs posts but the reality on the ground is very different. A number of schools across Kildare South have been in touch with my office highlighting that they are now seeing a reduction in their SNA allocation following SENO reviews, despite increasing local demand from children. In one case, Scoil Mhicil Naofa primary school in Athy is losing five SNAs while another, the Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge, has lost three.
“Not only are people losing their jobs, but parents will also be worried whether their child will have the right support to stay in education. This is an extremely retrograde step and is a contradiction to the government’s own announcement of increasing SNA places. Schools should not be losing key roles like SNAs when there is already so much demand in our communities.
“I am calling on the Department of Education and Youth to intervene in these cases to ensure schools have the ability to meet local demand from children who need additional support and that SNA allocations continued to be increased, not just moved from one to school to the next.”