Shane Curley (Fianna Fail)

I thank Ms Cockerill. On the topic of menial labour and the demeaning roles that have, at times, been passed down to SNAs, I agree that we need more training and higher skills attainment among SNAs. A good SNA can be incredibly impactful for good in the classroom. I have seen it at first hand. I have been a teacher who, literally, relied on them like a crutch. I have also seen the incredible damage that can be done, through no fault of the SNA, who is just not empowered with the skill set to be a force for good in the classroom when they do not know how to deal with a situation.

I agree that there is a need for higher attainment. At the same time, instances such the fish tank episode that Andy mentioned, where somebody was made to clean the fish tank, is demeaning. It erodes trust in the education system as a public body. Could the witnesses give one example of a school that has done that, so we as politicians can tackle it head-on and get to the root source of it? It should not be happening.