News
Devastating blow for schools set to lose vital SNA posts
It was confirmed this week that Glenflesk and Fossa National Schools will see their Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts reduced this year, raising concerns about the impact on support for students with additional needs.
The decision was made following a review by the National Council for Special Education.
It has raised alarm among local families and children in the schools.
SNAs are a vital source of support for children with additional needs, and they are essential for learning development.
A parent at Glenflesk National School has expressed his disappointment at the decision saying: “How we support children with additional needs reflects on us as a society. It shows whether we value inclusion, fairness, and the potential of every child.”
His son, who is known throughout the community for his warmth, affection, and joyful personality ‘has flourished with the help of his SNA’.
With consistent assistance, he has grown in confidence, engaged more meaningfully in classroom activities, and made learning progress that once felt unreachable. His parents describe his development as “leaps and bounds,” all thanks to the patient guidance and support of his SNA.
Both schools are very disappointed with the news and are currently engaging in the appeals process.
They are hopeful for a positive outcome as great progress has been made in special education over the last 25 years and it’s important to them keep the progression moving forward.
Removing that support has sparked a fear in families, without the support of SNAs, children risk regression rather than progress.
Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady wrote to the Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion opposing the decision.
In response, the office said NCSE reviews are a very detailed examination of the care needs in all settings. Where it identifies a decrease in the level of care need in a school and where this decrease is significant, it results in a reduction in the SNA allocation to that school.
Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly slammed the decision and raised the issue in the Dail on Thursday.
He said it is irresponsible of the Minister to think just two staff members can sustainably support 236 pupils in mainstream education while the six existing SNAs are already stretched.
He said: “SNAs play a pivotal role in children’s education. Many children will not be able to meaningfully integrate into the classroom and wider school environment without their support. They will also be prevented from reaching their full potential.”
Budget 2026 announced an additional 1717 special needs assistant posts which was to increase the number of posts to 24900. The redeployment scheme was set up and put in place to ensure job security.
Deputy Daly said the SNAs who contacted him have not received any clarity or support from any department, adding it is taking a serious toll on all involved, mentally, physically and financially.
He stated: “If special needs education is the priority this government claims it is, then these cuts must be reversed, and these four posts must not be removed.
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise
Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.
Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.
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