Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. On the learning needs of all pupils and meeting the pupils at the place that you find them, I could not agree more. That fits in with the point the Senator raised as regards initial teacher education and what that involves in terms of inclusive education. That specifically involves meeting the learning needs of each individual student and meeting them at the place that you find them in. As for budget 2023 and how we are fixed, I would love to be able to tell the Senator. We are currently in discussions around the budget. The Senator specifically raised the INTO request and I have met INTO representatives about a package around mental health and well-being and I wish to be truthful and say that everything is on the table at this point. I have had a number of asks from a number of different partners in education and they are all on the table but it is all very much part of the discussion and negotiation and I mean that sincerely. Even at this point, I know we are only a week away, but that is the nature of it.

Regarding SNAs, we have seen a significant increase in the number of SNAs. There is an unprecedented level in excess of 19,000 SNAs in the system now. I want to acknowledge the invaluable role of SNAs and I know Senator Flynn has that background. In terms of pay, that is very much a part of the public sector pay deal. As regards our capacity to grow the number of SNAs going forward, again like the INTO request, that is part of the greater mix at the moment. We will know a lot more this time next Tuesday.