Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after “That Seanad Éireann:” and substitute:“- recognises the vital role that special needs assistants (SNAs) play in Ireland's Education system, providing essential support for some of the most vulnerable students in our classrooms;

- welcomes this Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child who is assessed as needing SNA support continues to receive access to that support;

- commends the substantial increased annual investment in SNA provision which has seen the number of SNAs increase from 10,575 in 2011 to 13,990 by the end of this year, an increase of 32% at a full annual cost of €458 million;

- notes that Budget 2018 provided for over 1,000 additional special needs assistant posts with up to 130 commencing from January 2018 which would bring the number of SNAs to 14,100 and further posts commencing from September 2018;

- notes that some 34,000 children attending mainstream classes, special classes or special schools now receive the support of SNAs;

- notes that the Minister for Education and Skills formally requested the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to lead a comprehensive review of the SNA scheme aimed at providing better outcomes for students and ensuring that we are making the best additional investment for children with special educational needs;

- notes that in preparing its Report, the Minister for Education and Skills has asked the NCSE to consider the findings and recommendations of the Report on the Role of the Special Needs Assistant which was published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection in January 2016;

- notes that the NCSE will conclude its review and bring forward its report by the end of March 2018;

- welcomes the undertaking of the Minister for Education and Skills that schools will be informed of their SNA allocation for the 2018/19 school year by the end of May 2018, fulfilling a commitment made by the Minister for Education and Skills in July 2017 that the notification of SNA allocations would be brought forward so that schools and parents can have greater certainty for the following school year;

- notes that by announcing SNA allocations for the 2018/19 school year by the end of May 2018, the supplementary assignment arrangements – and distribution of available hours to serving staff in schools – will operate to full effect;

- notes that the supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs have operated since 2013 which seek to maximise job security for SNAs and ensure that schools continue to put in place the best possible support for the children in their care, and notes the ongoing commitment of the Minister for Education and Skills to the effective operation of that scheme in consultation with education partners as provided for in national industrial relations agreements;

- notes that procedures are in place involving schools, school management bodies, the Department of Education and Skills and staff interests to deal with SNA grievances and issues at school and national level, and notes the commitment of the Minister for Education and Skills to continued engagement with staff interests and school management on industrial relations matters.”.

I welcome the Minister here this afternoon, as well as our guests in the Gallery, who represent the SNA association. During the worst years of the recession, the number of SNAs was not cut back by the current Government. Emphasis was put on learning and learning outcomes, with everything put in place to support students who were most vulnerable. That is most important.

More than 3,000 extra SNAs have been announced by the Minister since 2016, which is welcome. In my area there have been a number of special needs assistants posts announced and I am involved with a school with a number of special needs assistants. I have not come across many cases like those referred to by Senator Ó Ríordáin, with people being asked to do things outside their remit. The Senator received complaints in that respect but I have not come across them while being involved with many schools over many years. The increased investment reflects the priority the Government has put on helping children with special educational needs to fulfil their potential.

A report was put in place and I compliment the former Senator and her committee at the time. I know from meeting the Minister that the report has been taken on board. When the Minister asked for a review, he also asked that the points made by the committee at the time be considered. I understand that is being studied. The Department is taking into account these requests relating to special needs assistants. In 2013, a grievance support system was put in place by the then Minister responsible for education, former Deputy Ruairí Quinn, and I understand it is still in place. It has been worked on and has been strengthened as well. If the SNAs had any grievance, they could speak to school management and bring it further. The mechanism still exists so if people have a problem, they can move along a complaint. I know the Minister has committed to the effective operation of the scheme in consultation with education partners, as provided for in the national industrial relations agreements.

Procedures are in place involving school management bodies. I sit on a board of management and I know that although we have not had complaints from people representing SNAs, there have been past grievances. They are aired at board of management meetings. From my experience, boards of management are open and receptive to listening and dealing with the matters of the day. I know from speaking to the Minister that he is willing to engage with staff interests and school management in all areas. The Minister and his Department are very committed in this respect. There has been a doubling of the number of special classes, and there has been a spread of autism spectrum disorder units, which are very necessary, right across the country. They are not just in Dublin and can be found in the regions, small towns and rural areas. The schools have specific units and children who were not able to attend mainstream classes are now able to do so.

I pay tribute to all special needs assistants throughout the country as they do fantastic and Trojan work. People like them have made it so much easier for children and they are very supportive of the students that they work with. This is really to be commended and these people should be recognised for the work they do. They have made the lives of students and their families easier through the support they give in conjunction with their work with the teacher and school.I welcome the fact that there is engagement with regard to SNAs. There are procedures in place. Anything that can strengthen the role of people is to be welcomed but there is a lot of support in place.