Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

SNAs are being denied equal health and safety leave provisions in employment. The potential risks for injury are greater for SNAs due to the physical element of their job. There is a clear disparity between the provision afforded to teachers and that afforded to SNAs. SNAs work with children with a range of care needs, many of whom exhibit extremely challenging behaviour that requires full-time help. I told the Taoiseach about the case of a young woman who has been in the job for a couple of years and is expecting her first child. She loves her job but she has been bitten, kicked and thumped. A few weeks later, she was seriously attacked and has been off work since. She got paid for the first 21 days but she has not been paid since. Like teachers, SNAs play a big part in the development of our children. All they are looking for is fair play. I ask the Minister to work with employers. I think SNAs do a fantastic job and they are not being treated fairly.

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