Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

As the Senator should be aware, the purpose of an SNA is to facilitate children to become independent, not to create dependency. Therefore, a child coming in sna naíonán bheaga is very different from one in fourth or fifth class. In some cases, children can become independent. What the Minister has said is very fair and simple - the need identified will be fully addressed. However, where for one reason or another there is no longer a need, obviously we are better off providing resources where there is a need.