Episode Details

The Government has confirmed there will be no reduction in Special Needs Assistants in schools next year, following a major public backlash over proposed cuts affecting almost 200 schools nationwide — including some here in Clare. An additional €19 million has now been allocated, but questions remain about how the situation arose and what happens when a fresh review of SNA posts takes place next year. Meanwhile, SNA's and parents of children with additional needs will protest outside the Dáil at 5pm this evening - with simultaneous demonstrations in Limerick, Cork, Galway and Buncrana. They're going ahead with their planned protests, despite a Government U-turn on SNA allocations. Alan Morrissey was joined by Meelick Fianna Fáil TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth, Cathal Crowe, and Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan to discuss this. Photo © JasonDoiy from Getty Images Signature via Canva