Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-18
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Brian Stanley (IND), Laois

I want to ask about the review of SNAs, which some have described as cuts. I understand reviews have to happen and that two thirds of schools will not be affected but one third will be and Rath National School and Timahoe National School in Laois have been notified of cuts. No account has been taken of the children being enrolled for September and their special needs. Circular 32/25 will mean some of the most vulnerable children losing their support and that support is essential. The pause is welcome but the Government needs to go further. The guidelines that came with the circular state, "The behaviour should be supported holistically with whole school and whole class approaches and individual needs supported by the class teacher ...". The problem is when a situation arises - and I have been in a school where I saw this happening - the teacher cannot leave the classroom and leave the other 23 or 24 pupils on their own. I am asking the Taoiseach to have these guidelines reviewed.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:39+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-18