Panic, fear and anger were the words used by teachers, special needs assistants and parents after they heard that some schools were about to lose several special needs assistants, the Dáil has heard.
Some 200 schools were told that their number of SNAs were due to be cut, and a mere pausing of this is no good to anyone, the Sinn Féin leader said.
Restricting SNAs to those who have only a primary care need is driving this cull, Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil.
Children have gone from dreading school to loving school because of the work of SNAs, and this move will pull the rug from underneath them, she said.
The Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton announced a pause to the review of SNA allocations following concerns raised by parents and schools.
A spokesperson for the minister confirmed that all review changes, including those who have already received letters regarding any reductions, have been paused pending the outcome of engagement on the issue.
The Taoiseach pointed out that the number of SNAs has grown by 45% in recent years, and the overall number will be increased to 25,000 for the next school year.
He said that it is not accurate to say the rug is being pulled from students.
No SNA will be taken from any school during this academic year, and no one will lose their job because there will be redeployment.
Two-thirds of schools will see no change, and about 190 schools can appeal this decision.
"I don't believe any school should lose six SNAs, I don't believe any school should lose four," Micheál Martin said, adding that any changes would have to be gradual.
The Minister for Education has paused the reductions, and the Department of Education will now work with the National Council for Special Education on this issue, Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin said a "targeted" approach is needed in deploying SNAs.
There is a "danger with mission creep" that the child most in need does not get the support they deserve, he added.
Mr Martin added that he "would caution against the breadth of the range" of SNA responsibilities that Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide was advocating for.
"We need to be very targetted in our approach," to ensure those that need support the most get it, he said.
Regular reviews to ensure efficient resource deployment are needed, the Taoiseach added.
But, speaking of the National Council for Special Education review started in October, he said that "the impact of some schools is too severe".
Mr Quaide accused the Government of causing chaos and "messing with people's lives" having reverted to a "crude and narrow" view of the mandate of SNAs and one which omits key supports.
Meanwhile, Labour TD Eoghan Kenny said that the Minister for Education had "caused such stress" in her handling of the review of SNAs.
"How dare the Taoiseach come in here and say that schools are used to appeals," he added.
"Are you trying to get rid of SNAs or what, Taoiseach?"
'It comes at a real human cost'
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger said that "the SNA cull - sorry, review... has to be discussed in this Dáil".
Deputies have been engulfed with constituents' concerns, she added.
The deputies, speaking during the order of business, are trying to get more Dáil time allocated to addressing the matter in sittings this week.
Charles Ward TD, with the 100% Redress Party, also raised the issue of SNAs.
He said "children with the most complex needs in Donegal" are losing essential support.
"It comes at a real human cost," he added.
He said he personally reviewed the decision at a school in Donegal town, where children rely on SNA support "to eat, to move, to communicate".
He said 2.5 SNAs will be cut from this school in September, and children will be forced out of their communities as a result.
He said the cuts undermine inclusion and the UN convention.
In response, Mr Martin said no SNA is being removed from any school during this school year, and no SNA will lose their job.
He said 68% of schools would experience no change or an increase in their SNA allocation.
He encouraged schools to appeal decisions they are not happy with.
Mr Martin said the Minister for Education has approved a pause and will now engage with the concerns raised.
