John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The criteria are the problem. Why is there a need for a Minister for Education and Science if he hides behind the NCSE, which states in its visionary statement that it is "committed to a special education system that is person-centred, family-focused and is responsive to the needs of all"? I would have loved for the Minister to have gone to St. Anthony's Special School last Thursday night to tell parents and staff that the review would fulfil the school's need. If he does not believe me, he should ask the Government Deputies who attended. Will he intervene?

We are discussing SNAs in special schools, not mainstream schools. This matter is above politics and I appeal to the Minister to examine the criteria. Under the review, the school has lost four SNAs on an average salary of approximately €25,000. Last Thursday, the Minister's supporters told me that the Minister for Defence's handshake would pay those SNAs for one year. I have a final point to make.

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