“Delivering a world-class education system, particularly for young people with special educational needs, is a priority for me as Minister for Education & Youth and for this Government.

“Some €3 billion has been provided in 2026 for special education, building on investment over previous years. The number of SNAs in our schools has increased by 45% since 2020, and an additional 1,700 SNAs will support our children this year compared with during 2025. This means there will be 25,000 SNAs in schools in September 2026.

“There will be more SNAs in every county, in mainstream, special classes and special schools in September 2026 than today.

“I, and Minister Moynihan as Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, am committed to delivering for children with special educational needs.

“SNAs play a critical role in our schools – I know how much they mean to school communities, parents and the children they support.

“I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers.

“I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care.

“To that end, I am pausing the review of the SNA allocations.

“I, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported.

“No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks.”