Donegal TD hits out at proposed cuts to SNA allocations in schools

A Donegal TD has hit out at the proposed cuts to the number of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) allocated in schools. 

SNA numbers are due to be reduced in schools starting in the upcoming academic year, Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, confirmed. 

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, is calling on Minister Naughton to act immediately and to reverse these proposed cuts.

“There is widespread anxiety from teachers and principals and parents across Donegal following the announcement of Special Needs Assistant cuts stemming from the 2025/26 review of SNA allocations,” Teachta Doherty said

“Minister Naughton said [on RTÉ] that roughly half of the reviews of SNA allocations have taken place, with the rest expected to be complete by the end of next month.

“The Minister for Education is in denial about the facts on the ground. Schools in Donegal are telling me about significant SNA cuts with more to follow. To point to the appeals process or suggest that teachers will be in a position to make up for the supports lost is simply unbelievable. It's not going to happen.

“Central to this is a rationing of an essential support. The strict interpretation of the ‘primary care needs’ criteria is harsh and unfair. It completely misunderstands the breadth of the SNA’s role. We know that there are ongoing contract negotiations around the expanded role of an SNA. This expanded role needs to be recognised now, not at some undefined time in the future.

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“Minister Naughton has advised schools that are unhappy with the result of their SNA review to appeal the decision to the NCSE. This advice is completely inadequate. The Minister must change tack. I urge the government to prevent any further cuts to SNA provision in schools in Donegal and across the state, and to reassure parents that every child with additional needs will have access to this essential support.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme