Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to speak on this motion in support of special needs assistants for children in our classrooms. I acknowledge the Rural Independent Group for tabling this positive motion. It is all about ensuring that children at all stages in education have an inclusive learning environment, equal access and full participation. These are core values for Fianna Fáil, which is why we have seen such a dramatic increase since 1997 in the number of special needs assistants in our classrooms.

Special needs assistants play such a significant role with students because of the unique relationship they have with them. Because they are there for a particular need there is much more vulnerability about their jobs, and this is a worry for the special needs assistants themselves and for the children and their parents. The Minister referred to the change in the chaotic practice we have seen in allocating special needs assistants at the last minute and it is good this is being corrected. For many years, we have seen things happen at the last minute and this has put stress on the children and on the special needs assistants and their families. The comprehensive review of the special needs assistant scheme recently published by the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, set out clear recommendations and there should be a timetable laid down for when they will be implemented.

According to the Fórsa trade union survey, it is very clear that more and more training is needed. People should be respected in their roles and training should be made available to them. Tá ról an-tábhachtach ag an SNA sna seomraí ranga, ag tacú le páistí síos agus suas agus timpeall na tíre. Caithfear meas a léiriú do na daoine seo agus don ról tábhachtach atá acu ag tacú lenár bpáistí sna scoileanna gach lá.

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