Scoil Eoin is also a perfect example of the barriers and systematic challenges faced by many schools when it comes to achieving inclusion with the current resources available to support special education. Why then did so many schools receive news from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) of severe reductions in their numbers for 2026/27? But most of these posts will be required for the 4,000 additional special education places needed to meet demand. The department plans to expand special school places, and open 400 special classes, where staffing is set at two SNAs per class. The role of the SNA needs to be properly recognised and widened to reflect what is actually happening in our schools.

Source: Irish Examiner February 21, 2026 05:30 UTC