Chaos must mark turning point for SNAs
Chaos must mark turning point for SNAs - The Labour Party
Labour’s education spokesperson Deputy Eoghan Kenny has called for urgent and sustained investment in Special Needs Assistants following a packed public meeting attended by SNAs, teachers, parents and trade union representatives. The meeting heard stark testimony about redeployment fears, narrowed eligibility for children and the deep anxiety caused by recent Government decisions.
Following the meeting, attendees joined the large protest outside Leinster House, united in a clear call: Government must save our SNAs.
Deputy Kenny said the message from both the meeting and the protest was unequivocal: properly resource SNAs, value their work and deliver a genuinely child-centred system.
Deputy Kenny said:
“This was a powerful and packed meeting. SNAs, teachers and parents are exhausted by chaos and deeply worried about what comes next. The message could not have been clearer, inside the room and outside Leinster House. Government must save our SNAs and fund them properly.
“Deputy Mark Wall described the last two weeks as a watershed moment, and he is right. Families and school staff cannot believe what has unfolded in recent weeks. We cannot return to business as usual. The bond between a child and their SNA must be protected.
“Andy Pike of Forsa was clear about the risks for workers. There is no real safety net for SNAs facing redeployment. What we saw could have led to compulsory redundancies. SNAs have faced cuts to hours and deep uncertainty. Without their support, many children simply cannot participate fully in school life.
“Ciara Reilly, a parent and teacher, made it clear the next circular must widen access to SNAs. She also stressed that the problem lies with Government policy, not the bodies tasked with implementing it, and highlighted the need to review pupil–teacher ratios in classrooms.
“The chaos of the last fortnight must be a turning point. We need immediate investment in SNAs, reform of the 2014 circular, wider eligibility and smaller class sizes. Above all, we need a properly funded, child-centred system so every child can thrive in 2026 and beyond. Government must listen and act.”