Sinn Féin TDs for Waterford David Cullinane and Conor McGuinness have called on people across Waterford City and County to attend protests this Wednesday 25th February and Friday 27th February in support of Special Needs Assistants.

This follows the Dept of Education 'pausing' a review of SNA allocations in some schools after a public backlash and outcry from the opposition.on foot of the review of their allocation in

The protests in Waterford, organised by Sinn Fein, will take place on Wednesday 25th  & Friday 27th  across Waterford David Cullinane said: “Families in Waterford are furious. People are rightly angry and they want to see government priorities change." Conor McGuinness said: “These protests are about standing up for children and for the services our communities depend on. Whether it’s childcare, disability supports, education or basic community services, families are being asked to do more with less. We are urging everyone to come out on Friday and make their voice heard because these cuts are a political choice and they can be reversed.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Fine Gael TD John Cummins has taken issue with Sinn Fein comments on the situation. "It is unfortunate but not surprising that Sinn Fein have sought to promote misinformation about SNA provision across Waterford and exploit what is a highly-emotive issue," the spokesperson said. "Put simply, there are no cuts to SNA provision in Waterford. Indeed the number of SNA posts across Waterford schools has increased by 58% since the 2020/21 school year (354 to 560) and the number of special education teacher posts have increased by 30% (374 to 487). Nationally the number of SNA’s in schools has increased by 45% since 2020 and an additional 1,700 SNAs will support children in the next academic year 2026/27."
“As a teacher for twelve years, Minister Cummins worked alongside SNA’s every single day and has seen first-hand the very best examples of special educational needs being met in the mainstream setting. It is why he is so passionate about ensuring special education classes are expanded across Waterford. In the last two academic years alone, 28 additional special classes have been sanctioned across Waterford." Waterford FF Minister and Gov Chief Whip Mary Butler has said that it is important to state that the review of allocations was undertaken to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care. "The Government announced a pause to the review process following concerns raised by parents and schools," she said. "As a result, all review changes, including those who have already received letters regarding any reductions, have been paused. I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers at present. It is important that politicians leading protests locally are clear and honest in their messaging in this respect.

“The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Education are engaging intensively to ensure that all the concerns raised are carefully considered and children with special educational needs are fully supported. No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue while these engagements are underway. We have listened carefully to concerns raised by parents and school communities.

“I would also like to point out that for the next school year, we will be at 25,000 SNAs. That will be about 45% of an increase over five years. Any review conducted is about making sure that each school has the right level of SNAs for its needs.”

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