Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)

I have received hundreds of emails from parents, teachers and SNAs complaining that the new NCSE guidelines for the review of SNA allocations for 2025-26 are unsatisfactory. These mainly consist of four demands. Those who sent them are calling for: a suspension of the guidelines until proper consultation with schools, SNAs and parents is carried out; fair criteria for defining level 3 complex care needs; assurances SNA supports will not be reduced; and that the six-week window for application for additional SNA supports be scrapped. Will the Tánaiste and the Department consult with the parties concerned to plot a better way forward, particularly as this issue has far-reaching consequences for many parents, teachers, SNAs and, especially, children with special needs?

See this speech in context