Fears are being expressed that a number of Clare schools will not be able to adequately support children with additional needs this academic year.
It comes as the Department of Education is facing criticism for its allocation system for Special Needs Assistants.
When schools feel they need more SNA allocations than the previous year, they must apply for ‘an exceptional review’ to the Department.
1,488 of these reviews were received, with 778 of these receiving an increase.
However, the National Council for Special Education believes 193 similar reviews remain outstanding – including a number in this county.
There are concerns that schools that do not know the outcome of their applications will not be able to properly provide children in need with appropriate support inside the classroom.
Kilrush-based Sinn Fein TD Violet-Anne Wynne says parents need to be reassured heading into a new school year.
74 classrooms throughout this county have over 30 children in them, far exceeding the EU average of 20 pupils.
The Mayor of Ennis is raising concerns that the combination of a lack of adequate help and overcrowded classrooms may be putting children at risk.
Independent Councillor Ann Norton, herself a carer to her daughter who has additional needs, is accusing the Department of Education of not supplying enough support to parents or children who need it.
