Mr. Dessie Robinson:

No. For a particular point in time we are not against it, but it needs to be reconsidered for a different point in time. This is a new world. It was good at the time.

We need SNAs to be given the respect of knowing at the end of the school year whether they have a job in September. No other profession within the educational system would allow that to happen and not be marching on the streets. For the past two years they have been left till the last minute. It is unfair and not respectful to SNAs.

Everybody agrees that training must be provided, but the budget to match that training needs to be provided too. When we sought training for SNAs, the Department said it did not give training. We have had to use the resources of IMPACT to ensure training is provided for SNAs.

The real issue for SNAs is security of tenure. If we are to develop the role we must keep the best people in place. The majority of SNAs are female. They are not doing this for pin money. They do it to make a living as well as to provide a service. They need security of tenure. When they get that, we can develop the role.