I will start by acknowledging the commitment of the Government to SNAs. Over €3 billion has been provided this year and there is a commitment to reach 26,000 SNAs by September. I also acknowledge all the other services and supports for education such as books, transport, uniforms or meals. The role of the SNA has evolved so much in recent years and now comes with a level of complexity around behavioural, emotional and social care needs. In reality, they go above and beyond every day, are vital in the running of the classroom and are a conduit between teachers and children. Regarding deciding the best way forward, we need a root-and-branch overhaul of our education system, how we provide education and the impact not just on a special needs child but on the rest of the class and the teacher. This should go beyond looking at human resources and should focus on financial support as well. In recent days, I reached out to every school in County Offaly. The feedback I received was very constructive. They want to see a meaningful pathway forward to ensure that there is effectiveness. When a school like Dromakeenan National School tells me that it was waiting for a review and that this was cancelled at the last minute by the NCSE, or St. Manchan's National School in Tubber tells me that its allocation of SNAs was reduced from four to or Mercy Primary School in Birr indicates that it has been waiting a long time for an outcome, we have as questions about effectiveness of the NCSE and where that organisation stands in all of this. There has not been enough ongoing engagement between teachers, principals and the NCSE. There has to be an understanding as to how these reviews are continuously pushed out, thereby creating a level of uncertainty and a lack of predictability for schools, particularly in the context of temporary SNAs. We need to take this opportunity and use it effectively to create a new platform that will operate in the interests of all our students going forward.

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