Loss of SNA posts for two Kildare South schools to have 'devastating impact' – TD

A Labour TD for Kildare South has warned that two local schools are set to lose vital SNA posts.

According to Deputy Mark Wall, who was addressing the Taoiseach on the matter in the Dáil this week, both Scoil Mhichil Naofa in Athy and Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge are to lose valued SNA posts.

The Labour TD said: “Budget 2026 announced an additional 1,717 SNA places, which is a very welcome intervention by Government.

“However, the reality in my own area of Kildare South is that late last week, Scoil Mhichil Naofa in Athy received notice that it will lose five SNA posts while Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge will lose three.

“As the Taoiseach can appreciate, this has a devastating impact on the entire school community. We all know the great work SNAs do day in, day out assisting teachers, assisting students and creating a school environment for parents and students alike.

“Will the Government intervene in these losses? We need SNAs in our schools. SNAs with posts will not know until next September whether or not they will still have a post and are getting calls to go into principals' offices. It is devastating for them all.”

Responding, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin told Deputy Wall that while he did not have “specifics” in terms of individual schools, the number of SNAs generally “have increased exponentially.”

The Taoiseach pointed out that the budget for special education has increased “significantly and somewhat dramatically” over the past three years and continues to increase.

He told Deputy Wall: “I will refer the case to the Minister for Education and Youth but it is not a context of cutbacks or anything like that. We are expanding the budget and we do have to allocate SNAs to children in line with best advice on our side.”

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