Department Of Education Pauses Review Into SNA Allocations

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 13:55

By Hannah Kelly

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton. Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

It follows complaints from schools and parents, reporting a reduction in the number of available posts

The Department of Education is pausing the review into SNA allocations.

It follows complaints from schools and parents, reporting a reduction in the number of available posts.

However the Department insists the review process will lead to 1,700 more SNAs overall in the upcoming academic year.

Today the Education Minister Hildegaard Naughton says the review is being paused, and she is engaging to ensure the concerns are understood.

Two Kildare schools - Scoil Mhichil Naofa in Athy and Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge - were 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 was also be in line for cuts to SNA services.

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