Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State mentioned that 1,700 schools had arranged summer programmes for this year. Is that the overall figure or does it only relate to mainstream schools with special classes? Does the Department monitor the uptake of school-based summer programmes?

Nearly every Thursday when I drive home, I listen to the radio. Approximately three weeks ago, a mother spoke on radio about trying to get her child with special needs into a school in her area. A great deal has changed in our education system for children with additional needs and, to a certain extent, these children are no longer labelled and there is no longer a sense of shame in having a child with special needs. We should all welcome that. Our schools have adapted and, I hope, will continue adapting to meet children’s needs. Are there many children who are still without school places for next September? In September, what will be the overall number of students in special education classrooms and special schools?

I only learned today that some of the summer programmes are held at home. One of my friends, who works with the Civil Engagement Group and has a child with special needs, told me that was not equality. That child has to do the summer programme at home for a few hours per week. Will the Minister of State tell us a bit more about what is done in the home for children with special needs?

I have loved being a member of this committee for the past two and a half years. There is cross-party agreement and we want the best for people with additional needs, especially children. One shoe does not fit all, of course, and I welcome the work the Department is doing with Traveller and Roma children. Disabilities do not know race or class. Unfortunately, it is an extra cost for people from ethnic minorities and working class areas.

I will ask one further question. I could ask six or seven more, but I will leave them for other members. Numerous times at this and the education committees, I have raised the need to recognise the SNA profession within our education system. For children with additional needs from the Traveller community and the general population, SNAs support them to reach their full potential. Many SNAs are carers and educators for the few hours per day they are in the schools. What is the view of the Minister of State or the Department on recognising SNAs as a profession? SNAs do crucial work and it should be recognised.

They work on the summer programmes and do voluntary work. The Minister of State mentioned young students getting experience in her opening statement. These young people need to have a wage as well at the end of the week or the month. We should be looking at a suitable wage for the volunteers, especially with the cost of living. My mother used to always say we should not expect people to do so much good work for absolutely nothing and no appreciation. When we talk about volunteering, we are talking about mostly young women in caring roles who we should be giving a payment to.

That is it from me for now. I thank the Minister of State.