Education Minister pauses review of SNA allocations amid national backlash

Hildegarde Naughton, Minister for Education and Youth, has announced a pause in the controversial review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations following widespread concern from parents, school communities and unions across Ireland.

In a statement, the Minister stressed that there will be no cuts to SNA numbers and reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting children with special educational needs. 

The decision comes amid mounting pressure after parents and teachers expressed alarm at notifications from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) indicating reductions in SNA support at individual schools — including claims that allocations were being decreased even where local need remains high. 

“Delivering a world-class education system, particularly for young people with special educational needs, is a priority for me as Minister for Education & Youth and for this Government,” Minister Naughton said. 

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A total of €3 billion has been allocated for special education in 2026, building on increased investment in recent years. The Minister confirmed that the number of SNAs in schools has risen by 45% since 2020, with an additional 1,700 SNAs set to be in place this year compared to 2025. This will bring the total number of SNAs in schools to 25,000 by September 2026.

“There will be more SNAs in every county, in mainstream, special classes and special schools in September 2026 than today,” Minister Naughton said.

The review of SNA allocations, carried out by the NCSE, sparked criticism after schools were informed of potential reductions in individual SNA posts for the 2026/27 school year, with hundreds of schools having been told they would see decreases, even as overall SNA numbers are set to rise. 

Critics warned that cuts to local allocations could undermine inclusive education and limit access for students who rely on one-to-one support. 

Parents and teachers have publicly voiced their worries about the impact on students with complex needs, and trade unions have called for transparency in how allocations are being decided. Many argued that stricter interpretation of eligibility criteria — focusing only on physical care needs — risks excluding children who benefit from broader educational and emotional support in the classroom. 

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In response, Minister Naughton confirmed the review would be paused, with all further letters regarding outcomes temporarily halted while she, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach engage “intensively” with issues raised by school communities. “I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care,” she said. 

The pause in the SNA review is intended to allow time for further discussions and a fuller understanding of concerns from parents, schools and unions. No new allocations letters will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks, the Minister said.

She also reaffirmed her commitment, alongside Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan, to delivering improved supports for children and school communities.