Special needs supports in schools: No glory in handing out basic rights once denied

Making supports for pupils with special needs a right — rather than a privilege — would make the school system fairer, writes Education Correspondent Niall Murray

THE announcement this week by Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan that the Cabinet had approved extra special needs assistants (SNAs) for children with care needs at school could be likened to a bus driver expecting applause for putting diesel in the tank.

The families of pupils with disabilities are expected to be grateful that those who run the country see fit to ensure they are properly accommodated in the schools where they enrol, enabling them to learn alongside their peers in mainstream or in special schools. And in September many people will probably question if, indeed, there is adequate SNA provision for their children, or the pupils in their care.