SNA review must not lead to cuts, warns Fianna Fáil

A review of the special needs assistant (SNA) scheme should not lead to cuts for children with disabilities, Fianna Fáil has warned.

Its education spokesman, Charlie McConalogue, was responding to Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan’s announcement of a review of the system in which SNAs look after pupils’ care needs in schools. She needed Cabinet approval this week for 610 more SNAs than an existing limit on their numbers to be appointed for the coming school year, following an unexpected rise in children qualifying for their help.

While the 11,820 SNAs sanctioned for September is 12% more than in 2011, concerns have been expressed that growing numbers are not enough to keep pace with increases in children needing their care.