Seanad debates

Wednesday, 8 December 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Annie HoeyAnnie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the Fórsa campaign. There was a briefing in the past hour. I would say it is hot off the presses but, alas, the campaign is about an ongoing issue. It is the Respect for SNAs campaign, which aims to highlight the value and role of special needs assistants. This is following up on the Department of Education's refusal of a new union claim for a new minimum qualification for SNAs. This has not been altered since the introduction of the childcare assistance scheme in 1979.

The campaign is to gain recognition and respect for the role of SNAs by establishing a qualification for new entrants to the job that reflects the complexities of the role. The Department has not committed to any timescale yet, nor does it accept that a level 6 qualification is desirable, preferring instead to leave the decision to individual schools. This puts Ireland out of step with international standards for the qualifications required from an SNA. I do not even need to go into some of the work SNAs do, such as PEG feeding, hoisting, taking an enormous amount of care, and sometimes facing abuse, aggression or frustration. Sometimes they are just a safety blanket for kids. These points were all read out at the briefing today.

I ask that Members support the Respect for SNAs campaign and take it back to their political parties. It is important we all have awareness of the complex role of SNAs in supporting students and that we encourage people to engage and learn about the work of SNAs. I reiterate my own support for the Respect for SNAs campaign. I will be writing to the Minister, Deputy Foley on this. I would certainly like to see support from this House for the campaign. I encourage Senators to read up on it and learn about it.

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