Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Conway's comment that ISL should be part of the leaving certificate curriculum. It is important. We want to have a fully inclusive education system, and that is one way of doing it.

I support the calls for supports for the tourism and hospitality sector, particularly small businesses in the sector that are struggling in every single town and village. These are difficult times. I have a small business myself so I understand the challenges that exist. I would like to see supports, particularly for the café and hospitality sector. There has been a campaign for a 9% VAT rate. I realise there is a significant cost but it is important that we support the industry so it will not haemorrhage tens of thousands of jobs.

I apologise for being late. I got caught in traffic.

Today is the first-ever National Special Needs Assistant Appreciation Day. This is an initiative of the education division of Fórsa, the union that represents SNAs. I raise this as the parent of a young son I dropped at preschool this morning with a present to give in appreciation of his SNA, Ms Carroll, who has been his SNA for a number of years, treats him very well and gives him an opportunity to have an equal chance in the education system. It is important to recognise those who work in this field. Special needs assistants make all our schools special, not just the special schools. They are dedicated, compassionate and committed to supporting children with challenges in life. I thank SNAs throughout the country for their dedication, kindness, patience and support for all our children, including my son, and families. It is extremely important. While it is important to appreciate SNAs, it is also important to recognise the investment made by the Government to ensure SNAs are in place to support all the children in our education system.