I raise the issue of the new SNA review guidelines with the Minister. At a time when we should be increasing the support for our students, the Government - despite saying disability is a priority - seems determined to make it more difficult for children to get adequate support. The new SNA review guidelines appear focused on gatekeeping and rationing and not supporting children. The review window is too short, the criteria are too restrictive and the process will leave mainstream classes and special education classes in competition with one another. Will the Government agree to the suspension of the new SNA review guidelines until adequate consultation happens with schools, SNAs, unions and parents to ensure every child is provided with the support they need to reach their full potential? Go raibh maith agat.

I thank Deputy Cummins for her question. To answer it straight, no, we will not suspend it and it needs to be put in context with what is being done in respect of special education at present. There are over 23,000 SNAs currently in place in the education system, which is an increase of 43% since 2020, and budget 2025 added 1,600 SNAs, the largest increase to date. Almost 21,000 special education teachers support children with special needs. Therefore, there is a huge amount being done in the area. I am conscious that there are demands on the system that need to be filled and I know, from speaking to the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, and the Ministers, Deputies McEntee and Foley, that a huge amount of work has been done. Some 407 new special classes were sanctioned for this current academic year, 300 of which were in mainstream schools. There is a lot being done but we will not suspend the guidelines.