Special Education Campaigners Challenge Dublin Central By-Election Candidates on SNA Crisis

Special education campaigners will challenge Dublin Central by-election candidates at a public meeting tonight, organized by Save Our SNAs and Equality in Education. The event, held at the National Handball Alley, will gather candidates, parents, and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to address a deepening crisis in special education, where children lack access to suitable school places, therapies, and in-class supports.

Niamh McDonald, co-founder of Save Our SNAs and meeting chair, stated the current SNA system is based on an «outdated» 2014 circular that fails to reflect SNAs' daily roles in supporting communication, emotional regulation, and classroom participation. She advocates for an alternative circular recognizing SNAs' real role, urging candidates to commit to this change. Parents and advocates, including Rachel Kane of North Inner City Side-by-Side Support Group, emphasize SNAs are vital, warning that cuts or improper deployment would have serious consequences for children's ability to remain in class.

Orla Ryan-Priestley of the Inner City Organisations Network stressed that SNAs are essential, not a luxury, and called for demands beyond merely saving SNAs. Several Dublin Central by-election candidates are expected to attend, alongside sitting TDs Gary Gannon, Mary Lou McDonald, and Marie Sherlock. Independent candidate Gerard Hutch will also be present, marking his first public election campaign event with other candidates. Organizers aim to make special and inclusive education central to the election campaign.