17 February 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West Margaret Murphy O’Mahony says changes to SNA allocation is leaving schools and children behind.
Parents of pupils at two Cork schools protested outside the headquarters of the National Council for Special Education over cuts to SNA numbers earlier this week.
Deputy Murphy O’Mahony said, “Parents are worried that their children are being left behind. As more and more children are diagnosed with special education needs, the reality is that this is not being followed by increased allocations.
“SNAs play a vital role in ensuring that all children get access to the same level of education. The message coming loud and clear from schools which have seen their allocation reduced is that the new system is resulting in children with special needs receiving fewer SNA hours.
“I welcome the announcement regarding a pilot study earlier this week by the Minister. There is clearly potential for improvements in the sector but he needs to decide how he is going to proceed on the issue.
“Minister McHugh cannot delay on this – the current system is simply not working and children are losing out”, concluded Deputy Murphy O’Mahony.
