Laois TD raises SNA review in Dáil as two schools notified of cuts 

Laois TD Brian Stanley has welcomed the decision to pause the review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations but demanded that more must be done. 

The independent TD said Laois school allocations cannot be cut under the guise of a "so-called" review and called for the Government and the Education Minister to go further and review the guidelines that’s used to determine the number of SNAs for each school.

Addressing the Taoiseach Micháel Martin in the Dail he said; “I want to ask about the review of SNAs, which some have described as cuts. I understand reviews have to happen and that two thirds of schools will not be affected but one third will be and Rath National School and Timahoe National School in Laois have been notified of cuts.

 "No account has been taken of the children being enrolled for September and their special needs. Circular 32/25 will mean some of the most vulnerable children losing their support and that support is essential.

"The pause is welcome, but the Government needs to go further. The guidelines that came with the circular state, "The behaviour should be supported holistically with whole school and whole class approaches and individual needs supported by the class teacher ...". The problem is when a situation arises - and I have been in a school where I saw this happening - the teacher cannot leave the classroom and leave the other 23 or 24 pupils on their own. I am asking the Taoiseach to have these guidelines reviewed."

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The Taoiseach said there is a workforce plan under way within the Department and the NCSE in respect of special needs assistants. He said consultations are taking place and that would involve a review.

“What about the guidelines?" asked Deputy Stanley. 

The Taoiseach added: "On the guidelines, there is a circular from 2014. As I said, the workforce planning involves all the issues the Deputy just discussed."