David Cullinane, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, has strongly criticised what he describes as unjustified and deeply concerning cuts to Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts in schools across the county, warning that vital supports for children with additional needs are being reduced despite no change in assessed requirements.

Deputy Cullinane said he has been contacted in recent weeks by parents and school leaders throughout Waterford who were shocked to learn that essential SNA supports are being scaled back or withdrawn. According to him, many of these supports were only recently reviewed and confirmed as necessary.

“The decision to reduce SNA posts in Waterford schools without any demonstrable change in children’s needs is unacceptable,” he said.

The Waterford TD criticised what he described as a contradiction between national messaging and local action, arguing that the Government cannot claim record investment in special education at budget time while sanctioning reductions at school level months later.

“That is not progress, it is political spin,” he said.

Deputy Cullinane emphasised the importance of consistency for children with additional needs, particularly those with autism and complex requirements. He said SNAs are central to ensuring that children can participate safely and meaningfully in education.

“Removing an SNA from a classroom where there has been no reduction in assessed need is not just a bureaucratic decision. It has real consequences for children, for their classmates, and for already overstretched teachers,” he said.

He also expressed concern at reports that strict numerical thresholds are being applied in what he described as a rigid, “box-ticking” manner. Minor fluctuations in enrolment, he argued, should not determine whether essential supports remain in place.

“Education planning cannot be reduced to spreadsheets,” he added.

The Deputy further highlighted the impact on SNAs themselves, describing many as long-serving, highly skilled professionals who have built trusted relationships with pupils and families in Waterford. He warned that placing staff in uncertainty or redundancy is illogical at a time when demand for special education supports continues to grow.

“Our schools are under enormous pressure. Principals should not have to fight to retain supports that were deemed necessary just months ago,” he said.

Deputy Cullinane also raised concerns that early intervention classes for children with autism are being discontinued in some Waterford schools, causing significant worry among parents.

He has called on the Minister for Education and the National Council for Special Education to urgently review the decisions affecting Waterford schools and to reverse any reductions where there has been no clear, evidence-based change in need.

“Children with additional needs deserve stability, fairness and proper support, not sudden cuts and confusion,” he said.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.