After months of uncertainty and a nationwide campaign to protect the role of Special Needs Assistants, the Save Our SNAs Campaign Group is welcoming the publication of a new Department of Education circular outlining the role of SNAs in schools.

The updated guidance replaces a previous circular that sparked concern among SNAs, parents and educators, with fears that the role could be restricted and that some children with additional needs could lose out on vital support. Campaigners say the new circular represents an important step forward, particularly with the explicit recognition of students' communication and regulation needs.

To discuss what the changes mean for SNAs, students and families, and whether concerns about the future of the profession have now been addressed, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and Special Needs Assistant, Antoinette Baker Bashua.

Photo (c) Robbie Kane via Dublin Live