Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to request a debate on special needs assistants, SNAs, within our schools. The Leader will be aware that there are approximately 18,000 SNAs working within our school communities and looking after our children. I would like a debate primarily on the Department's plans for the future of SNAs within our schools and on how we go about looking after them and protecting their contracts.It is also about protecting them as really valuable people and as being different but equal to the teachers in their own schools. We must remember the inclusion we speak about, in that we cherish having children with additional needs in our mainstream schools, is only permitted and facilitated by having SNAs within our schools. The schools we want and the communities we want are facilitated by these great workers. They deserve to be recognised as a profession in themselves. It is sad to think we have nearly 18,000 people who do not have a proper contract and who wonder every year if they are going to have employment in the following year. That has its own knock-on effects, such as on getting a loan or a mortgage and all those things you have in normal life. It is predominantly women who work in this role, as all Members know. That is another example of how gendered roles in our countries have been neglected, seen as a part-time gig or just a bit of pocket money for a woman. That is not correct; this is a profession. It is really valuable and an integral part of the community and country we want to have in future, one that is truly inclusive.

I highlight also the fact that SNAs are put on a course in UCD and they have not been accredited. It is a year-long course with no transferable qualifications if they go to another country. It is a 12-month course that is not recognised on any of the scales for qualifications. That is atrocious.