Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)

I have been contacted by parents and SNAs in schools throughout Fingal East. They have real concerns about the recently published SNA review process of the 2025-2026 guidelines by the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. The guidelines could risk serious harm to children with special education needs and I share their concerns. Any effort to tighten timelines or restrict criteria has the potential to deny children access to the supports that they need to grow, develop and thrive. The proposal for unification and redeployment risks the protection autism classes resources have. It will also set it up for internal conflict between autism classes within the mainstream schools. Sinn Féin will continue to support the SNAs and the children they serve. I will continue to raise their concerns with the Minister and the NCSE. Will the Minister review or suspend the guidelines until there can be proper consultation with the schools, the SNAs, the parents and the unions?

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