Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not a fair assertion that my Department and I do not care about treating SNAs well. This course provides the very first opportunity for many SNAs to engage with the theory and research-based practice which underlies their role. I accept that the training is not yet accredited, which is not to say that it never will be accredited. We have to start somewhere and this is very valuable training. It is testament to its value that there have been so many applicants. It is a very well-considered course with excellent modules contained within it. It will provide a really good grounding and training, which, as I said in my initial response, is what the NCSE has recommended. The aim, in the first instance, is to provide really good training as opposed to a professional qualification. The Deputies will appreciate that we cannot suddenly go from a zero base to accreditation without evaluating the outcomes of particular courses. I reiterate that the outcome of the course will be evaluated and will inform the approach that is taken into the future.

We have 70% more SNAs now, at nearly 18,000, than we had in 2011, when there were 10,500. As the first Minister of State with a dedicated remit of special education, I certainly have, at all times, tried to look after SNAs, whether that involves the provision of PPE or taking care of other aspects of their well-being. We have written to the Department of Health to see whether we can get them moved up the vaccination schedule. We are doing everything we can to support them. This training is a stepping stone for SNAs and it will result in much better training in the future.

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