Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Unfortunately, it is the same answer again, which is that the issue as to whether SNAs will get the same entitlements as do teachers under Circular 0060/2018 is under consideration. This is a question of equality. Teachers are recruited to provide educational resources for the children in the school and so are SNAs. The least we can do is to ensure that SNAs are treated in the same way in our educational system as are teachers. I find the answer unsatisfactory. The long-term health and emotional benefits for breastfeeding are well established and women's health issues should be given committed attention within the workplace. The focus needs to be on promoting breastfeeding. The Department of Education and Skills is falling down on this. It said on many occasions that it would consider Circular 0060/2018 and its extension to SNAs. This has not happened.

I acknowledge the Minister of State is taking this on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills and cannot give me these answers but I would be grateful were he to give me a commitment, following from this debate, that he will organise a meeting for me with the Minister for Education and Skills where we could discuss this issue further and hopefully extend the same benefits to SNAs as are currently enjoyed by teachers.