This week saw a major controversy about education for children with special needs. There was a cack-handed attempt to review allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs). A question that was not addressed is: Are those most in need of special education provision actually receiving what is their right? A question arises as to whether the approach of successive governments to special education is to simply throw money at it during a time of relative plenty. Value for money is important, but in this area, value for children with the greatest needs should be the top priority.

Source: Irish Examiner February 21, 2026 16:38 UTC