NCSE chief apologises for handling of 'botched' SNA review

25.02.2026.

The chief executive of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has apologised for the handling of a "botched" review of how special needs assistants are allocated which causes uproar among parents and educators.

John Kearney told the Oireachtas committee on education: "The NCSE duly notes and apologises for any and all upset and uncertainty caused to children, parents, special needs assistance and schooling communities in recent weeks. This was never our intention."