Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The special needs assistant scheme has been a major factor both in ensuring the successful integration of children with special educational needs into mainstream education and in providing supports to pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes. However, we should provide additional resources rather than cutting back on the scheme.

The National Council for Special Education published its report today in which it considered 2,913 schools. There has been no change in 1,500 schools but there has been a decrease in the number of special needs assistants in 832 schools. That is an official report from a Government agency. I carried out a survey in my constituency in the past month to which I received a big response. I wish to refer to the response of a principal from a school near my home.

Among our 98 pupils we have a half-dozen or so who require the assistance of a SNA.

We have three SNAs - two full-time and one infant-hours working here. They are run off their feet catering for the increasing number of children with special needs: two with spina bifida, one paralysed on one side of her body and three others with serious medical and behavioural issues.

A scenario has developed where the SENO...allocates more children to have their care shared among the same number of SNAs. That appears to satisfy the "child has access to an SNA" but I wonder when the system will collapse under the strain?

We had a full review headed by [the] divisional inspector conducted here on March 24th 2009 and are still awaiting a report on same.

The appeals system is most unfair. The appeals advisory committee should have been set up before the reviews commenced. It will be set up next October. The system is not working. I will hand over to my colleagues. It is a pity we did not have more time. As someone who worked with children with special needs, I had a lot to say on the matter. What is happening is unfair and mean in the extreme.

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