Parents 'confused' over role of SNAs [IrishTimes]
- Published: 19 October 2011
MANY PARENTS are confused about the role of special needs assistants (SNAs) resulting in misguided fears over cuts to services, a leading civil servant in the Department of Education told the Oireachtas education committee yesterday.
Jim Mulkerrins, principal officer of the department’s special education unit, said while he recognised parents had real fears, he believed the role of SNAs “had drifted over the years” to a situation where they are too often seen as the solution to all problems.
“Surpluses in the scheme must be identified and removed – assistants retained too long can be counterproductive and the child can become dependant on the care,” he told the committee. “I can say, hand on heart, that children who require support are getting it.”
Earlier this year, Dublin witnessed two large protests against cuts to the number of SNAs and resource teachers’ hours.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
