Kerrykeel Girl, 5, Stuck at Home Until November Over SNA Delay

URGENT UPDATE: A major delay in securing a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) has forced five-year-old Allissa Walshe from Kerrykeel, Ireland, out of school, potentially until November. Allissa, who has Type 1 diabetes, requires full-time assistance to manage her medical needs.

Her mother, Lorna Walshe, expressed deep frustration over the situation, stating that Allissa’s education is being compromised due to a lengthy assessment process. Authorities have confirmed that the school assessment will take place on October 8, 2025. If approved, it could still take weeks to hire and train the necessary SNA.

“This delay is not just an inconvenience; it’s affecting Allissa’s health and education,” Lorna said. Parents and advocates are alarmed at how bureaucratic hurdles can leave vulnerable children without the support they need.

The assessment is merely the first step in a complicated process that involves hiring and adequately training an SNA to assist Allissa. Until then, her mother has no choice but to keep her at home, missing invaluable learning opportunities.

The situation highlights a broader issue regarding the availability of special education resources in Ireland, particularly in rural areas like Donegal. Parents are calling for immediate reforms to expedite the hiring process for SNAs, stressing that children should not be sidelined due to administrative delays.

While families await the outcome of the assessment, the emotional toll on children like Allissa is undeniable. The community is rallying around the Walshe family, urging local officials to prioritize these critical support positions.

As developments unfold, all eyes will be on the assessment results next week. The outcome could determine not only Allissa’s education but set a precedent for other children in similar circumstances.

Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter.