An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-17
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Gareth Scahill (FG), Nominated by the Taoiseach

I welcome and recognise the decision of the Minister, Deputy Naughton, today to pause the review of the SNA allocation. The decision sends an important and reassuring message to children with special educational needs, their families and the school communities that their voices have been heard and their concerns are taken seriously. It is right that time has now been taken to listen carefully to parents and schools and to ensure SNAs are supporting the children who most need their care. I also welcome the continued engagement across government to fully understand the concerns that have been raised and to ensure children with special educational needs are fully supported.
This decision comes alongside a strong continued commitment to our special education. In 2026 a sum of €3 billion has been provided for special education alone, building on significant investment over recent years. Since 2020, the number of SNAs in our schools has increased by 45%. This year alone, an additional 1,700 SNAs will support children, compared with 2025. By September 2026, there will be 25,000 SNAs working in our schools, with more SNAs in every county accessing mainstream schools, special classes and special schools.
There are no cuts to SNA numbers. Instead, there is a clear focus on ensuring SNAs are with the children who most need their support. Today's decision reflects a commitment to getting this right for the children with special educational needs. It is something I fully support and I must commend the Minister, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, on her decisiveness in making this decision. This morning, I was in the company of the education committee and we visited St. Ultan's in Cherry Orchard. I spoke there, along with my colleague Senator Tully, about the messages about SNAs we have been getting from people. I know everyone across this House will welcome the Minister's decisiveness.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-02-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:38+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-17