The Government is being urged to end job insecurity for Clare’s Special Needs Assistants and the parents of children with additional needs countywide.
SNAs will hold protests at the Dáil and across the country today, despite the coalition’s u-turn on SNA allocations last week.
Almost 200 schools received correspondence in recent weeks indicating that their Special Needs Assistant’s allocations would be reduced from the next school term.
Flagmount National School in East Clare was among the institutions to be informed, triggering concern among parents, teaching staff and SNAs.
The Government has now rowed back, with the review being paused and Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying the review wasn’t sanctioned and Tánaiste Simon Harris saying the Government “got it wrong.”
Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says it showed a complete lack of respect to SNAs and that accountability is needed.
The coalition has since pledged over €19m in funding to increase SNA posts next year, promising to bring the national number to above 25,000 for the first time.
Despite this, SNAs backed by the Fórsa Trade Union will be protesting outside Leinster House and in Limerick, Cork, Galway and Donegal from 5pm this evening.
Chair of the Oireachtas Education Committee and Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe says it’s clear more assurances, particularly around the scope of the SNAs role are needed.
Listen to the full interview here
