Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

I am pleased to support the Government amendment. Up to last February, I worked as a teacher in a school for physically disabled children where my two closest colleagues were SNAs. I have never seen such a degree of commitment as I saw from them and the other SNAs in the school. Their dedication, love and care for the children was second to none and was often inspirational to the rest of us. Being a special needs school, it was well served in terms of numbers, with two SNAs assigned to each classroom. There is no question that these colleagues earned their money and did great work on behalf of the children in their care.

Given the country's economic situation, it is amazing that the Government has managed to retain more than 10,500 SNAs in the school system. I congratulate the Minister on his success in this regard. Having said that, there is a need to review the operation of ancillary services in schools. I say this as somebody who was a practitioner for many years. The role of the SNA is extremely important, but SNAs were appointed in a haphazard way, with those who shouted loudest often getting the most. That was not always appropriate and, in many cases of which I am aware, schools in the most privileged areas were allocated more than their fair share. That issue must be reviewed because the current allocation system is not working. Decisions on the appointment of SNAs should be made by the inspectorate in conjunction with individual schools.

I welcome the increase in the number of psychologists from 178 to 210, although that number must be further increased. When it becomes economically feasible, we must focus as much as possible on improving the provision of information technology, computer equipment and so on in schools.

I reiterate my appreciation of the wonderful work being done by SNAs and urge that the operation of ancillary staff services be carefully examined with a view to ensuring the best deal for children. A good school system is one that is focused on the welfare of the individual child.

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