SNA protest goes ahead in Portlaoise

A PROTEST by Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) will go ahead in Portlaoise today, as deep concern remains over potential cuts in local schools.

Organisers say the government’s ‘U-turn’ assurance that no SNA posts will be lost in the 2026/27 school year has not allayed fears about cuts in the longer term.

The protest outside SS Peter and Paul’s church at 5pm, on Wednesday 25 February, is organised by a local group of SNAs, who say they hope to get support from as many people as possible, particularly teachers, school principals, students and parents.

The group includes SNAs from Rath NS in Ballybrittas, Presentation Primary School in Portarlington and St Patrick’s Boys NS in Portarlington, together with other schools across Laois.

The ‘Save our SNAs’ demonstration in Portlaoise is being held in conjunction with other protests nationwide this afternoon.

SNA Danielle Lawlor from Portarlington said: ‘Today isn’t just about a protest. It’s about standing up for the students who rely on our education system every single day, especially those who need additional support to thrive.

‘Across the country, communities are coming together to support SNAs, our schools and the entire special education system. SNAs are the backbone of inclusive education. They provide essential, day-to-day support that allows students with additional needs to participate fully in school life — academically, socially and emotionally.

‘Without them, many children simply cannot access the education they are entitled to. Most importantly, today is about the students. Supporting today’s protests is about solidarity. It’s about saying that inclusion matters. That equity matters. That children with additional needs are not an afterthought — they are valued members of our school communities.’