Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I add my voice in support of the motion proposed by Deputy Brian Hayes. I compliment him on bringing this motion before the House. I also speak in support of the contribution which my colleague, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, our spokesperson on equality, has made on this issue over a period of time.

Listening to the Minister and the Minister of State, one would think there was no problem at all and that no cutbacks were taking place, that somehow, the concerns that are being communicated to us on a daily basis by parents, teachers and SNAs, were made up. They are not. Over the past week or more, my colleagues and I have received many heart-rending stories from parents about what is likely to happen to their child in circumstances where the SNA is removed. These are very real stories that are not made up. The Government needs to respond positively to them this evening rather than in the self-congratulatory way of its response.

It is somewhat ironic that this measure is being introduced to save money, apparently, something in the order of €27 million. This on a day when thousands of millions of euro of taxpayers' money is being provided to support the banks. The €27 million that it is proposed to save on the pay bill of SNAs, as it happens, is the same as the €27 million required to provide a pension for just one executive in one of the covered banks. I have received representations from parents and staff of Enable Ireland in Sandymount, which is only one of the many examples that have been brought to our attention. This special needs school will lose three teachers and five SNAs. Many of its students require assistance with feeding and the other tasks necessary for them to stay in school.

The logic that these cuts will somehow save money beats me because SNAs are relatively low paid. One SNA informed me that he was paid €442 per week. If he loses his job and returns to social welfare, he will get €382 per week not counting any secondary benefits for which he might qualify. These cuts are a false economy which will save, at most, €50 or €60 per post. This must be weighed against the loss to the schools, children and families concerned. The proposal needs to be reconsidered by the new Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Coughlan. She set out for the House what appears to be her Department's official line but she needs to think these proposals through. Before the vote is taken this evening, I hope she has second thoughts but, even if she does not, she should give serious consideration to what has been said this evening and respond positively to the needs of parents, teachers and, most of all, the children who rely on SNAs.

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