The Labour Party has strongly criticised a decision by the Department of Education to dismiss 70 special needs assistants (SNAs) from their jobs at the end of this year despite a high-level review which indicated that at least 175 more such posts are required.
Ms Jan O'Sullivan, the Labour party's spokeswoman on education, described the move as "a remarkably shortsighted and ill-considered decision". She also called for the individuals in question to be given the opportunity to move to a different school.
"In many cases the SNAs are experienced staff who are making a huge contribution to the educational requirements of pupils with special needs," she said.
"While it may not be possible to successfully relocate every one of the SNAs who are now being targeted for dismissal, the experience accumulated by these dedicated workers should not be lost to the educational system."
There are some 5,500 SNAs in the State, who help special needs children to learn in a classroom environment.
But in an earlier statement, the Impact trade union, which represents SNAs, claimed that a review currently being carried out by the recently established National Council for Special Education had so far revealed a surplus of 70 SNA posts.
These have arisen because the children being assisted have moved on, it said.
The union also claimed the same review had identified a shortfall of 175 in the number of SNAs needed to provide support to children with special needs.
A spokesman told The Irish Times last night that it had been informed by the department that the 70 surplus SNAs would be let go at the end of the school year.
Impact also claims that the department may be making the move in order to prevent staff from working long enough to acquire workplace rights under legislation that protects temporary workers.
In a move which is supported by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, it says a panel should be established to deal with surplus SNAs.
This could operate on a similar basis to an existing system for surplus teachers, it believes.
Under this system, diocesan panels of surplus teachers are maintained, with other schools appointing from these panels when vacancies arise.
Impact is to discuss the issue at a meeting with the Department of Education next week.