Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)

It has been fascinating to listen to all sides of the House over recent days. On many occasions the press have said we have too many teachers in the House. I must bow to the superior knowledge of the teachers and those who work in front-line services. It is very reassuring to know they have an understanding of what it is to have an SNA in the classroom. There has been a great deal of knowledge and wisdom, but there has been empathy from all sides of the House with what people are trying to achieve in society. We are all for protecting the most vulnerable in society and never ever get that wrong in this House.

It is a fact that more money was spent on SNAs in 2007 than in any other year. There was a 20% increase and if we are to continue with the form of politics that has applied heretofore, we will throw money at issues which are emotive and which will get us back into Government. That is not the way it is supposed to be. The funding is not focused and, as some of my Labour Party colleagues have rightly pointed out, the fact that the people with the most money have the most access to SNAs is wrong. This must be done in a leaner, smarter and more focused way. There are facts and figures that speak volumes about the level of support that is in place.

Page 57 of the report mentions a 27% decrease in the number of SNAs. If there are cuts, they will be to the point of 2%, but cuts in the number of SNAs do not mean cuts to services. Everyone has to roll up their sleeves and give 10% more. We are at junk bond status and it cannot be any worse than it is, according to some people, but unfortunately because of bank guarantees and unprecedented levels of financial irregularities in a Government that was around for 14 years, we have been brought to a point of unprecedented mess. We now have to do the heavy lifting and tackle the big issues. Everything must be done better.

Among the very valid points that have been made are that 15% of the education budget goes towards helping children with special needs, the number of resource teachers in schools will rise by 350 in the coming school year, more than 20,000 teacher places on courses in special educational needs were provided in 2010, and special school transport arrangements and schools for students with special needs have all been provided as well. To make this an emotive political football is nothing shy of disingenuous. We are all trying to do the utmost we can for people who have special needs. At all times we must look at a bigger picture and then implement management. This House is not just about legislation any more. It is also about management and getting more from less. This is something that the Technical Group can say it will give the same as before, when it has the advantage in society and it has the advantage economically. Fianna Fáil gave a 20% increase.

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