Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. A lot of good work is being done in education. There are a lot more teachers and SNAs. There is a lot of early intervention and children with problems are being diagnosed early. I appreciate the Minister's response but all the SNAs are looking for is the same treatment as teachers. As I have said, they play a very important role in the future development of our children. I ask the Minister to work more closely with the employees to make sure they are being well looked after. I am very happy with the Minister's response. I will go back to the SNAs. To me, being an SNA is a vocation and the work they do is fantastic. I have been in contact with the Minister's office many times seeking extra SNAs and I have never been left wanting. I thank the Minister, but it is important that we do not have a disparity between teachers and SNAs. Hopefully, going forward with the Minister, things will work out well.

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