Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Sadly, no Dubs feature among the hurling all-stars, but we are getting there. Na Fianna are certainly doing their bit to get us there.

I want to refer to the campaign that is running for special needs assistants, #RespectforSNAs. Fórsa is championing a campaign on behalf of 12,000 special needs assistants who are seeking recognition and respect for the role they play in the education system. Special needs assistants play a vital role, not just for the children but also for the teachers and parents. Their presence and availability and the service and supports they provide can be the difference between a child with special needs being able to participate in mainstream education or not. Their importance cannot be overstated. When the current Taoiseach was Minister for Education and Science, he played a role in the introduction of special needs assistants. Everybody recognises their value.

Their ask is quite simple. They would like formal recognition for their role. They would like the Department of Education to consider setting a minimum essential requirement for that role, updating the requirement which is currently three Ds from a junior certificate or intermediate certificate. Many SNAs have third level qualifications and degrees, and others have worked for 20 or 30 years and have experience and expertise that no degree could ever of itself convey. I would like the Leader to arrange for a debate in the House on the role of SNAs and the need for minimum essential standards to be set for the role.