The people of Killarney took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the proposed plans to reduce the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in mainstream schools.

It was part of a nationwide demonstration that took place across the country, attended by parents, teachers and SNAs.

Although the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, confirmed that there would be no reduction of SNAs for the next school year having put the review "on pause", protests went ahead as planned to voice their anger and frustration over the initial decision to cut SNA numbers in schools in the first place.

The protest in Killarney drew a large crowd outside Market Cross in the town centre.

In Killarney, Fossa National School and Glenflesk National School were initially told their SNA numbers would reduce in the next school year, sparking outrage and concern among both school communities.

The decision has since been reversed, however, anger and fear still remain.

Paul Favier, principal of Glenflesk NS, felt the reported cuts seemed excessive as there has been a lot of progress and positive work in special education over the last 25 years.

“The money invested by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in special education has been very welcome, and schools are generally satisfied with the level of support being provided,” he said. “However, recent communication to schools reducing their allocation of SNAs is worrying.”

He added that while the NCSE may be able to justify the reductions, schools believe the criteria being applied is outdated, noting that schools have changed considerably over the past 12 years.

Children with conditions such as autism and ADHD have specific and often complex needs.

While many can attend mainstream classes, they often struggle with emotional regulation, sensory issues and behavioural challenges, among other difficulties.

Shari Murphy works as a SNA and explained that many of these pupils require additional support including assistance with feeding and going to the toilet.

She said: “These children need a break from the classroom to regulate but without a SNA the class teacher can't facilitate this because they can't leave the room. Who will look after that child?”

One parent who attended the demonstration acknowledged the tremendous work that SNAs do every day working with children.

She said depriving a child of the support that helps them cope throughout the school day is “unjust” and that “we should be trying to improve supports not taking them away”.

Another SNA who attended the protest described the role of a SNA as “outdated, undervalued and in urgent need of recognition” and said the job role needs to be “fully reviewed and modernised”.

Kerry Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly welcomed the government’s U-turn however he warned a permanent solution is needed to resolve the problem.

He described the pause as “temporary relief” and said the government need to “go back to the drawing board to review the 2015 circular and work with schools to develop special needs education in Ireland”.

He said: “As the only opposition TD for Kerry, I am calling Kerry’s four government and government supporting to ensure that the government brings forward lasting solutions to tackle the crises in special needs education in Ireland.”