Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I commend Deputy Brian Hayes for tabling this important motion. The review of SNAs being undertaken by the NCSE is having a huge impact in my constituency, Tipperary South. Pupils with special needs and other pupils in their classrooms have been affected by the removal of much needed supports. I refer, in particular, to Ballingarry national school, St. Patrick's, Ballylooby and St. John the Baptist's in Cashel in the constituency. However, I would like to instance the craziness of this issue in Fethard, County Tipperary, where an SNA earning €225 a week was notified a few weeks ago that she was not needed anymore. She was put on a FÁS scheme to be trained as a secretary for which she is earning €280 a week. The country is full of redundant and unemployed secretaries but this lady was working as an SNA and costing the State much less. That is crazy and unacceptable and this is what is wrong.

As Deputy Barrett said, if the needs of those who need only a small helping hand were met, it would be of huge benefit to them when they attend secondary school. The value of this support cannot be calculated and it is deplorable that the Government can stand over these cutbacks. The country is not broke. Billions of euro were found yesterday to give to the banks. The Government has plenty of money to waste left, right and centre. Shame on us to allow a Government to stand over a situation in a society that we are supposed to be proud of that where children with special needs have to beg for basic help and education.

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