Galway East TD Demands Immediate Repeal of NCSE SNA Guidelines

URGENT UPDATE: Louis O’Hara, the Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, is calling for the immediate scrapping of the NCSE Guidelines for the Review of SNA Allocations for the 2025/26 academic year. This move comes as the proposal threatens to significantly limit the application window for additional Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support to a mere six weeks.

O’Hara argues that this drastic reduction is detrimental, as it narrows the criteria for assistance and merges allocations for mainstream and special classes, which could have severe implications for children with additional needs. He insists that Ministers McEntee and Moynihan must reconsider these regressive changes, emphasizing their potential to negatively impact both affected children and entire school communities.

“This approach is simply unacceptable,” O’Hara stated, highlighting the urgency of the matter. “We need to ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, receives the support they deserve without bureaucratic constraints.”

The proposed guidelines have ignited a wave of concern among parents, educators, and advocacy groups, who fear that such limitations could severely hinder the quality of education and support available to vulnerable students. As discussions unfold, O’Hara’s appeal for immediate action is a rallying cry for those advocating for children’s rights and educational equity.

With the clock ticking, parents and educators are urged to voice their concerns to local representatives and remain vigilant as this developing story progresses. The implications of these guidelines will be felt across school districts, and the fight for equitable education for all children is now more critical than ever.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.