Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Senators Henry and Bradford and I contributed to breaking a world record in Trinity College Dublin on the rewrite a story campaign for mental health. It is worth noting that 1,000 people rewrote the story.

It is important that we grapple with the issue of special needs assistants, which was raised by an Opposition spokesperson. The question about the precise number was answered in the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. As a former teacher and teacher educator who observed special needs assistants as they worked with teachers and children, I consider it right and proper that we have forward planning rather than allocate all the assistant posts without accounting for future needs. I ask the Leader to facilitate a solid, wholesome and holistic debate on children with special educational needs. We do a disservice to our children by focusing solely on special needs assistants. We must ask what is best for the child. The education of the parent is a key piece of the puzzle. The parent cares for the child 18 hours per day and 24 hours per day at weekends. The teacher's job is to educate and the special needs assistant's role is to care for the child, but they are only a tiny part of the jigsaw. I ask Senators to refrain from playing politics with children with special educational needs.

Last night's eurozone deal on Greece is highly significant for Ireland. It would be foolish if we did not grasp this moment to further negotiate the terms on offer to us. The people who offered the deal know we would be foolish not to capitalise on it. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have our best interests at heart. We do not want to go down the road of Greece because nobody will do business with that country. This is an important space for Ireland.