'No cuts to SNA numbers': Controversial review paused following backlash

“I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days," said Education minister Hildegarde Naughton. Picture: Photocall Ireland

A controversial review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations has been paused following backlash from schools.

Education minister Hildegarde Naughton confirmed in a statement that there will be “no cuts to SNA numbers”, and that no further letters about SNAs will be issued to schools until the Government finishes examining the issues.

“SNAs play a critical role in our schools — I know how much they mean to school communities, parents and the children they support,” she said.

“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. I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care.

“To that end, I am pausing the review of SNA allocations.

“I, the Tánaiste [Simon Harris] and the Taoiseach [Micheál Martin] are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported.

“No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks.” 

Ms Naughton stated that €3bn has been provided for special education in 2026 and vowed that the “number of SNAs in our schools has increased by 45% since 2020, and an additional 1,700 SNAs will support our children this year compared with during 2025”.

This, she said, will bring the total number of SNAs in schools in September 2026 to 25,000.

The first schools across the country learned of plans to reduce their individual number of SNA posts following reviews by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in recent days.

This is despite the overall number of SNA posts in the school system, including special classes and special schools, set to increase from September 2026.

Of the 585 reviews conducted by the NCSE to date, roughly 187 schools will see reductions. The NCSE was expected to continue to update schools on the outcomes of reviews in the coming weeks.

This led to protests outside some schools across the country, including Our Lady of Good Counsel in Killiney, south Dublin.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner prior to the Government announcement, one Cork principal said the SNA provision in her school was already stretched.

"It’s simply not possible, mathematically or practically, to meet the documented care needs in our school with the 6.33 posts they are proposing for us," said Scoil Barra's Martina Barry.

Union Fórsa welcomed the Government’s decision to pause the SNA review, saying it offered the minister to “engage meaningfully with schools and stakeholders on a better approach to planning and managing SNA supports”.

“This pause gives us an important opportunity to discuss a better way of planning and managing SNA allocations for the future,” Andy Pike, head of education at Fórsa, said.

“It is a significant step forward in recognising that the work of SNAs goes far beyond what is reflected in the current, outdated SNA circulars.

"Their role is not just about meeting primary physical care needs. It's vital to supporting students’ learning and wellbeing.

“The minister’s decision will be very welcome and will help ease anxieties around the possibility of SNA supports being removed from children in mainstream classes, who rely on that support to fully participate in their education."

He said part of the discussion that now needs to take place is an assessment of whether or not special education is adequately funded.

"If 25,000 SNAs are not sufficient to meet the need that has been identified, then the Government needs to look at its investment strategy for delivering its goals for special education."

In the Dáil, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that people were fearful and angry about proposed allocations, with some schools across the country set to lose up to six SNAs.

“A pause is no good to anyone,” she said.

“In fact, it only adds to the uncertainty and the anxiety of parents, schools and SNAS. You need to stop this now, not just to pause. Take this plan off the table, tell parents and teachers and SNAS that you will not proceed with these cuts.” 

In response, the Taoiseach said that no SNAs would be removed from a school in the middle of the academic year as he argued that “no SNA will lose their job because there's a redeployment scheme”.

“It’s not plausible that there wouldn't be reviews,” he said.

“Reviews should be more regular to make sure that our resource goes to the children most in need.

“Two-thirds of those that were part of this review, about 585 schools, 68% will either see no change or an increase in their allocation and both your credit. 190 will see a reduction.” 

Mr Martin said that there is an appeals mechanism in place as he vowed that the NCSE would work with schools which have been “impacted more severely than others”.

He added: “I don't believe any school should lose six SNAs.”