The Government is to cut the number of Special Needs Assistants in schools, even though the number of children who need them is expected to increase this year.
Just over 200 SNA posts are to be cut to remain within a cap agreed under the IMF/EU deal of 10,575 SNAs in the system.
However, population growth means the number of children attending school is due to rise by around 10,000 next September.
This will increase demand for all services, including SNAs.
The Department of Education says schools will be informed about their individual allocations next week.
It said the needs of schools and classes who cater exclusively for children with disabilities will be prioritised.
Other priorities include support for children who are incontinent and children with newly-diagnosed care needs.
It said it is deferring the allocation of SNAs for Junior Infant pupils who have cited behaviour as the reason for the need.
This excludes children with extremely challenging or dangerous behaviour.
