Special Educational Needs
Dail Éireann — 2025-04-08
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Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (SF), Kildare South

Tuigim an tábhachtacht a bhaineann leis na huimhreacha atá curtha ar fáil, ach is é an rud is tábhachtaí ná go mbeidh na spásanna oiriúneach do na páistí. There is another issue that is coming up. I and my colleagues have had many parents contacting us regarding SNA allocations. In one case, 15 students were told on Friday that their SNA allocation was being withdrawn on Monday. In two other schools, reviews are indicating there will be a reduction in SNAs for September. In another school, a review recommended additional SNA support but the school was told no additional supports would be provided because it has already reached its cap. Has there been a change in approach or policy? Can the Minister of State guarantee there will be no reduction in supports to children? Many of these children are in inappropriate class settings due to their not being able to get their appropriate class. They are the ones who are most vulnerable. They rely heavily on the SNAs. These decisions are deeply affecting students who are already vulnerable. It will worsen their educational experience if the reduction in SNA support happens. Ní mór dúinn a chinntiú go bhfaigheann na páistí seo na hacmhainní ceart chun forbairt, ní hamháin maireachtáil.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-04-08/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:53:42+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-04-08