SNA protest in Portlaoise gets strong support
A section of the SNA protest in Portlaoise on Wednesday 25 February. Photo: Alf Harvey
A PROTEST by special needs assistants (SNAs) attracted strong support in Portlaoise, as deep concern remains over potential cuts in local schools.
SNAs from all over the county were joined by school principals, teachers, students and parents at the ‘Save Our SNAs’ demonstration, held outside SS Peter and Paul’s parish church.
The Portlaoise protest at 5pm on Wednesday 25 February was part of a nationwide campaign over SNA posts, with similar demonstrations outside Leinster House and across the country.
Organisers say the government’s ‘U-turn’ assurance that posts will not be lost in the 2026/27 school year has not allayed their fears about SNA job security and potential cuts in the longer term.
After the Portlaoise event, SNA Danielle Lawlor from Portarlington said that she and her colleagues, joined by teachers, principals, students and parents, “stood together against SNA cuts, showing the strength of our community”.
She 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.”
Danielle added: “The momentum is building. As the rain cleared, a rainbow appeared over SS Peter and Paul’s Church - a fitting symbol of hope and determination.”
Laois Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack addressed the crowd and there were powerful contributions from SNAs and others, including students and parents.
The review and reallocation of SNAs for the next school year was paused last week, after it sparked a widespread outcry. Local schools that included Rath NS and Timahoe NS were among those who faced the loss of SNA posts in the 2026/27 school year.
The government agreed not to reduce the number of SNAs at any schools from next September and said that, in schools where the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) advised that more SNAs were needed, they would be allocated.
However, SNAs and schools are demanding ‘clarity and certainty’ regarding the long-term allocation of posts, so that school management can plan more effectively and SNAs have greater job security.
Conor Reddy, a member of the national ‘Save Our SNAs’ organising group, said in a statement: ‘The system remains in crisis. Until there is real engagement, transparency on redeployment and recognition of the full SNA role, the pressure will continue.’
As the campaign continues, SNAs at the Portlaoise protest urged those who support the campaign to follow @saveoursnas and join the ‘Save Our SNAs – Laois’ group online.
