Protests in support of SNAs to go ahead

A PROTEST in support of Special Needs Assistants (SNA) in schools will take place in Ashbourne tomorrow (Wednesday evening), despite last night's announcement that there will be no reductions of SNAs for the next school year.

Parents, SNAs and teachers are expected to join the protest which will take place outside Ashbourne Library at 6pm.

The protest is one of many throughout the country organised following the recent nationwide review of SNA allocations, which has since been halted.

Yesterday, the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton announced there would be no reductions of SNAs for the next school year along with an additional €19 million in funding.

However the Forsa Trade Union said the move was a "sticking plaster to be in place for 12 months while the Government tries to get its act together".

Meanwhile Sinn Fein will tonight propose a motion in the Dail, which "demands the reversal of all cuts and a steadfast commitment that every child with additional needs will have access to the appropriate school placement, teaching support, SNA care, and therapeutic interventions they require."

Carol McSherry, an SNA in Navan and Local Forsa representative said; "SNA's trust has been broken by the way this was handled. We were not shown basic respect so we won't relax until we have a suitable new contract that recognises our actual role and protects all students that we work with."

Deputy Darren O'Rourke welcomed the additional funding and the reversal of cuts, but warned that unless momentum is maintained "We could all find ourselves in the same situation this time next year. We need to see positive change and redefine the role of the SNA."

Deputy Gillian Toole said “communication, collaboration and cooperation between department officials and schools is paramount to ensure every child is supported to reach their individual potential”.