Feb 17, 2019, The Cork: Minister must clarify situation with SNAs https://www.thecork.ie/2019/02/17/minister-must-clarify-situation-with-snas/ Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West Margaret Murphy O’Mahony says changes to SNA allocation is leaving schools and children behind. Parents of pupils at two Cork schools protested outside the headquarters of the National Council for Special Education over cuts to SNA numbers earlier this week. Deputy Murphy O’Mahony said, “Parents are worried that their children are being left behind. As more and more children are diagnosed with special education needs, the reality is that this is not being followed by increased allocations. “SNAs play a vital role in ensuring that all children get access to the same level of education. The message coming loud and clear from schools which have seen their allocation reduced is that the new system is resulting in children with special needs receiving fewer SNA hours. “Minister McHugh cannot delay on this – the current system is simply not working and children are losing out”, concluded Deputy Murphy O’Mahony.

Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.