Cuirim fáilte roimh ráitis na nAirí faoin maoiniú breise de €19 milliún agus, mar aon leis sin, nach mbeidh laghdú ar líon na gcúntóirí riachtanas speisialta fud fad na tíre. Reference has been made throughout the debate to the amazing work that SNAs do. Having friends and family as SNAs, and being close to the schools in Kildare North, I see it first-hand. What I think we need to acknowledge is the number of children in education, both in the past and currently, who would not have gone through the education system if it were not for the SNAs they have. That is the critical importance of SNAs. They allow young people to reach their potential and, therefore, to contribute to society later on, and to have a full and fulfilling life. The circular of 2014 was also mentioned today, specifically part 30 on the primary care needs of a child. I know this circular has been updated, but that needs to be expedited. As the Minister of State is fully aware, the reality on the ground is that the work that SNAs do is not primarily what is set out in that circular. We need that to be reflective of the reality that SNAs experience on a daily basis. My speaking time is limited. My last point concerns the progression of SNAs from primary to secondary school. We have seen a huge amount of investment in SNAs, special classes and special schools at primary level. My fear is that we are going to come up against a crisis at secondary level in the years ahead. I ask the Minister of State to prepare for additional SNAs and special classes at secondary level.

Sentiment score: 0.10