Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".

The Department of Education is defending the loss of Special Needs Assistant posts in Kildare - saying cuts follow formal reviews which found a significant drop in care needs in some schools.

It comes as two Kildare schools - Scoil Mhichil Naofa in Athy and Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge - are set to lose eight SNAs between them, despite Government commitments to increase special education supports nationwide.

Kfm News also understands that a school in Halverstown could also be in line for cuts to SNA services.

In a statement, the Department of Education said the National Council for Special Education carries out “very detailed” assessments and allocations are adjusted to ensure support goes to students with the greatest level of need.

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".

Officials point to a 40% rise in SNA numbers in Kildare since 2020, and say almost 25,000 SNAs will be in place nationally by the 2026/27 school year.

But the reductions have drawn sharp criticism locally.

Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall says the reality on the ground does not match Budget promises, warning parents will now worry whether their children will continue to receive adequate classroom support.

The Department says schools can appeal allocation decisions and confirmed a national redeployment scheme is being finalised to retain experienced SNAs in the system.

"While the NCSE allocation and review processes are essential to ensure SNA support is provided where it is most needed,  the department is mindful of the impact of a reduction in allocation on SNAs personally. This is among the reasons the department is working with the NCSE to develop an SNA redeployment scheme. This important policy initiative which is in the final stages of development will ensure that as far as possible, competent, knowledgeable, and experienced SNAs are retained in our schools", a Department spokesperson said.

"The SNA redeployment scheme is being implemented for the 2025/26 school year, providing an opportunity for redeployment of SNAs as the need arises for the start of the 2026/27 school year. It is important to note that SNAs in surplus posts identified through the NCSE’s SNA Review process will remain in the relevant school for the rest of the 2025/26 academic year. Assuming no change to SNA allocations in the meantime, eligible SNAs in standard posts (both full-time and part-time) who opt for redeployment may be redeployed to a new post in September 2026," they added.