No reduction in SNAs for the next school year, Government confirms

The Government has reversed its decision on cutting SNAs

Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton and Minister of State for Special Education Michael Moynihan have confirmed there will be no cuts and the planned review will be paused.

The government confirmed that there will be no reductions in the 2026/27 school year.

They stated:

“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.

According to reports, an additional €19 million will be allocated to fund SNAs.

“I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care," Minister Naughton said.

The Minister stressed, "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."

Parents, teachers, and SNAs planned to attend protests across the country tomorrow. It is understood that some protests will go ahead on Wednesday, February 25th.

There was nationwide uproar last week over the Government's plans to reduce the number of SNAs in 194 schools.

The decision to cut special needs assistants' roles in schools was made after a review of their allocations.