Calls for Immediate Action on SNA Allocation for St. Aidan's School

Wexford TD, Deputy George Lawlor, has raised alarm over the handling of Special Needs Assistance (SNA) reviews by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), particularly regarding St. Aidan's Primary School in Enniscorthy.

The school, which has 861 pupils, requested a review of its SNA allocation after being given just 15.75 SNA's for the entire school.

Despite having 54 pupils with high-level special needs, including conditions like blindness, hearing impairments and multiple diagnoses, the school’s appeal has been blocked due to the NCSE’s failure to provide a rationale for the decision.

Deputy Lawlor criticized the lack of communication from the NCSE, which has left the school unable to complete the appeal process. He called this situation a clear example of dysfunction within the special education system and vowed to bring it to the Minister for Education for further investigation.

Lawlor also expressed his ongoing support for other schools like Our Lady of Fatima Special School, which is facing challenges related to the re-designation of special schools. He has promised to continue advocating for better resources and support for children with special educational needs.