Education funding - Savings must start at the very top

THE provision of special needs education supports (SNAs) in primary and second level schools have made it possible for many students to reach levels they might otherwise have found difficult.

The relatively recent development has been life-changing for so many. It has given a degree of independence and possibility to so many individuals and families that the facilities must be at least protected. It would seem almost inhuman to deny the option from those who might benefit from it, yet that seems a real possibility.

Yet thousands of special needs students may have their access to teachers cut because demand has been underestimated and recruitment limits agreed as part of the IMF/EU rescue package are about to be reached.