Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection

Role of Special Needs Assistants: Discussion

1:00 pm

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Our guests should switch off their mobile telephones completely or put them on safe, aeroplane or flight mode, as they will otherwise interfere with the broadcasting equipment. I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Their opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on its website after this meeting. Committee members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

While there might be related broader issues, the purpose of this meeting is specifically to examine the role of special needs assistants, SNAs. Last year, Senator Moran undertook the task of preparing a report as rapporteur on the issue of the role of SNAs. She has done considerable work on this matter, including by consulting with a range of stakeholders. Written submissions were received, collated and so on. We also held meetings that will inform the report.

Today is an opportunity to engage directly with a group of key stakeholders so as to enable the report to move towards a conclusion. In this regard, I welcome from the National Parents Council - Primary, Ms Áine Lynch; from the trade union IMPACT, Mr. Dessie Robinson and Ms Joan McCrohan; from the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, Ms Teresa Griffin and Mr. Niall Feeney; and from the Department of Education and Skills, Mr. Jim Mulkerrins. To get the proceedings under way, I invite Ms Lynch to make her presentation on behalf of the National Parents Council - Primary, NPC.

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