A demonstration has been organised in Buncrana in support Special Needs Assistants and school communities.
The demonstration follows widespread concern across Donegal regarding proposed reductions to Special Needs Assistant allocations, including at St Oran’s National School, Cockhill.
The ‘Stop the Cuts, Support the Kids’ protest will be held in Market Square on Wednesday, February 25 at 5pm, taking place alongside a national rally outside the Dáil.
While the Government has recently announced a “pause” to the review process following significant public outcry from parents, teachers and communities nationwide, the 100% Redress Party has warned that a pause does not mean the proposals have been scrapped.
The Party said continued public engagement and vigilance are essential.
“The pause has only come about because of the strength of public reaction. That shows how powerful communities can be when they stand together,” said Cllr Joy Beard.
“But a pause is not a cancellation. It does not mean these plans are off the table. Until families have absolute clarity and certainty, we must continue to stand up and speak out.”
“This is happening in our own community. St Oran’s is our local school. These are our children and our families. SNAs are not an optional extra. They are essential frontline support in our classrooms. They help children regulate, communicate, eat, move safely and participate fully in school life. Families need reassurance that these supports will be protected long term.”
Deputy Charles Ward has also raised the matter publicly, highlighting the human impact of the proposed cuts.
“Children with the most complex needs in Donegal are losing essential support. It comes at a real human cost. I personally reviewed the decision at a school in Donegal town, where children rely on SNA support to eat, to move, to communicate.
“2.5 SNAs will be cut from this school in September, and children will be forced out of their communities as a result. These cuts undermine inclusion and the UN Convention.”
The 100% Redress Party confirmed that its councillors and TDs will continue to raise the matter with the Minister for Education, the National Council for Special Education and the Department of Education.
The Party is urging a strong turnout at the Buncrana protest to send a clear message that supports for children with additional needs must not only be paused, but permanently protected.
“We stood up and it forced a pause. Now we must stand together to ensure these proposals are scrapped entirely. Our children deserve nothing less,” Cllr Beard concluded.
