SNA cuts: Why Irish schools say special education support is being undermined

Despite record national staffing levels, schools warn SNA allocation cuts and delayed autism classes are undermining inclusive education

Michael Moynihan, minister of state at the Department of Education and Youth. The department has refused to clarify how many schools are expected to gain SNA posts for this coming September. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Earlier this week, the Irish Examiner attended the opening of a new sensory space at Scoil Eoin, a primary school for boys in the Cork suburb of Ballincollig. 

The invitation was received and accepted far in advance of the storm that erupted as schools across the country learnt of cuts to their special needs assistant (SNA) posts from next September.