DONEGAL TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has said that Minister Hildegarde Naughton is ‘in denial’ about SNA cuts which are affecting schools across Donegal.
He called on Education Minister Naughton to act immediately, to reverse these proposed cuts, and to ensure that no child with additional needs will be left without this crucial support from September.
“There is widespread anxiety from teachers and principals and parents across Donegal following the announcement of Special Needs Assistant cuts stemming from the 2025/26 review of SNA allocations,” Deputy Doherty
“Speaking earlier today on RTÉ, Minister Naughton said roughly half of the reviews of SNA allocations have taken place, with the rest expected to be complete by the end of next month.
“The Minister for Education is in denial about the facts on the ground. Schools in Donegal are telling me about significant SNA cuts with more to follow. To point to the appeals process or suggest that teachers will be in a position to make up for the supports lost, is simply unbelievable. It’s not going to happen.
“Central to this, is a rationing of an essential support. The strict interpretation of the ‘primary care needs’ criteria is harsh and unfair. It completely misunderstands the breadth of the SNA’s role. We know that there are ongoing contract negotiations around the expanded role of an SNA. This expanded role needs to be recognised now, not at some undefined time in the future.
“Minister Naughton has advised schools who are unhappy with the result of their SNA review to appeal the decision to the NCSE. This advice is completely inadequate. The Minister must change tack.
“I urge government to prevent any further cuts to SNA provision in schools in Donegal and across the state, and to reassure parents that every child with additional needs will have access to this essential support.”
