Pressure forces Government to abandon SNA Cuts - Kilkenny TD

Sinn Féin TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Natasha Newsome Drennan, called on all local TDs to stand with children with additional needs, Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), and school communities by supporting Sinn Féin’s Dáil motion to abandon the disastrous SNA cuts.

Deputy Newsome Drennan warned that these would have put children at risk, The Sinn Féin motion, which was debated in the Dáil, called on the Government immediately reverse all SNA cuts and abandon the deeply flawed SNA review in its entirety.

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“I have spoken with parents, teachers, and SNAs from across Carlow and Kilkenny who were left absolutely devastated when these cuts were announced,”

“Over 1,100 SNAs, teachers, and parents joined an online meeting organised by Sinn Féin to voice their concerns.”

“They shared with us some of the most beautiful, moving, and powerful accounts of the difference that SNAs make in our schools. Most importantly, they spoke of the profound impact SNAs have on the development and well-being of tens of thousands of children across the State. There were tears, disgust, outrage, hurt, upset, alarm, and fear in equal measure.

“The Government is implementing a rigid and clinical review process that reduces children to a 'checklist of tasks,' while wilfully ignoring the full, holistic role that SNAs play in fostering independence, providing emotional support, and facilitating social inclusion.

“Parents and schools cannot be left in a state of uncertainty. The Government must make it absolutely clear, once and for all, that these cuts will not proceed.”