Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I compliment the Technical Group on putting this motion before the House. I offer my support to the Government amendment as somebody who was a teacher, has worked with SNAs, has taught a variety of classes and students and has spent his life volunteering with people with intellectual and physical disabilities. I acknowledge the important work being done by SNAs and their vital role in the education process.

Having said that, we need balance and truth in this vital debate. Let us deal in facts. This debate is about children; it is not about verbosity, garnering media headlines or rising up agitation. We all acknowledge the role played by SNAs in the education system. However, the reality is that no child who requires special needs assistance will be deprived of it. Let us look at it in the overall context of where we are as a society and an economic entity. Despite the recruitment moratorium in the public sector, the Minister has indicated that an exemption will apply in respect of special needs education.

Some 15% of the education budget is allocated to the provision of special education. That is a cause for congratulations. Where a debate is needed is in respect of how we define the purpose of special needs assistants. The previous Government did a poor job of setting up the system of special needs assistance provision. The role of SNAs was defined as assisting teachers in meeting the additional care requirements of students with a disability as well as assisting in other duties of a non-teaching nature. There must be a redefinition of the role of SNAs to align it better with the needs of children.

I am not interested in value for money reports. As a teacher, I am interested in the progression of individual children. I have seen the benefit of special needs assistance and the effects of a lack of such assistance. I have not heard any of the Members opposite comment on where the system is falling down and how it may be rectified. We must have a child-centred approach which makes the student the focus of the learning plan and where progress is tangible and measurable. That is where our attention should be focused rather than standing outside the gate shouting and roaring. If Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin accuses me of sniggering because I defend the rights of children, then so be it.

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