Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The circumstances have changed since this regulation was introduced. The point being made to me by these special needs assistants is that they are trying to further their career. They have gone back to full-time education and are not in receipt of any income. Under regulations, they are prevented from getting any kind of income, and this policy should be reviewed. I fully accept the Minister's comments about facilitating special needs assistants who wish to pursue courses such as teacher training where participants are required to spend significant periods under school observation. They are prepared for that but the Minister knows the cost of rent and day-to-day living. It is not physically possible for them to take time out of a full-time job, go back to college where they pay fees, all the while being prevented under regulations from taking on any type of employment. I ask that the matter be carefully examined.