05/08/2016

Many Students With Disabilities Denied SNA Support For Second Year

Concerns have been raised after many students with complex needs have been denied the support of an SNA for a second year.

Fianna Fáil has written to he Education Minister calling for support for children with disabilities to enter into a 2nd ECCE preschool year.

Fianna Fail Darragh O'Brien TD described the situation as "appalling".

He said: "These are students who would have previously received an SNA up to the maximum 15 hours per week for the first preschool year. This funding is now unavailable on the premise that it can only be awarded for 1 year.

"The support of an SNA is crucial in order to facilitate attendance and an appropriate experience of learning. The reality that students in my constituency and even nationwide could be excluded from a 2nd ECCE preschool year as they require supports for their needs, is a huge worry.

"The department must clarify why a policy has been adopted to seemingly allow all Irish children access to a second pre-school year free, yet a child with special or particular needs in pre-school is not entitled to an SNA free. That would render their first year in pre-school a waste."

(CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

16 June 2015
HSE Reverse SNA Preschool Cuts
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reversed its decision to reduce the provision of SNA services in preschools. The HSE had previously announced that the provision was to be cut completely. However, following an outcry, they decided that the service would not be stopped but reduced by 25%.
15 June 2016
Over 800 New Special Needs Assistants To Be Allocated To Schools
A total of 860 new Special Needs Assistants will be available for allocation to schools from September to December this year, an increase of 7%, the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton has announced. The new allocation will bring the total number of Special Needs Assistants to 12,900, at a total gross annual cost of €425 million.
17 October 2017
SNA's Need 'Timely And Proper Assurances' On Job Security
Special Needs Assistants need "timely and proper assurances" surrounding job security from the government, it has been said.
02 September 2015
Call For More SNA's In Co Kildare Schools
The Minister for Education is being urged to allocate more Special Needs Assistants (SNA's) to fill vacant posts in schools in County Kildare. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Kildare North Councillor Frank O'Rourke held a meeting with a number of concerned parents in North Kildare.
16 November 2011
Students Meet To Protest Against Cuts And Fees
Thousands of students have marched on Dublin to protest against the Government's suggested increase in student fees and possible cut to maintenance grants. The protests follow reports that existing grants and maintenance support for postgraduates could be scrapped from next year, to save some €50m a year. Students and supporters gathered from 12.