I thank Sinn Féin for bringing forward the motion. It is the biggest wonder of the world when a baby is born to a loving couple. They look forward to raising the baby, bringing them up and giving that child the very best. Equally, it is devastating when they discover that something is the matter and that the child needs an assessment or whatever, and they have to wait so long. That is very hurtful for them because they have to fight for everything. They have to fight for primary school education and special needs teachers. When they move on to post-primary school, they have to do it again. Surely, the powers that be and the education system should recognise at that stage that they need SNAs and more of the same in secondary school. Another problem arises that the Department says it has X number of SNAs places and that the country is covered. In many cases, they are not there. Long distances between schools and families create a huge problem for people. Many children with complex needs are still without SNAs and necessary school places. Parents all over the country are worn out from fighting for a school place for their children. They should not have to fight for the one basic right of education. It was very hurtful when the Department tried to take four SNA teachers out of Fossa National School in County Kerry. I am glad that the Department saw the light because these people are doing tremendous work. They should be allowed to continue. Some Department official went into that school, sat aside in another room and drew up the idea of taking away four SNAs. That is wrong. They did not see what was going on in the school.

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