SNAs are not add-ons in the education system. They are fundamentally important. They are enablers for so many children. They are the link to allow a student to access education, the bridge to get them over the barriers that so many students face. That is the reality. What the Government is doing, and what the circular and review have outlined, is reducing and narrowing the role of an SNA. The reality on the ground is that SNAs are providing many wonderful learning opportunities for children. To diminish that into just the primary and physical need, to reduce it to toileting and so on, is disingenuous and fundamentally unfair to the wonderful work that SNAs are doing. I urge the Minister to address the circular, refine the role, professionalise the SNA sector, and allow SNAs the training and opportunities to flourish in their role. It is a fundamentally important role and to reduce it is unfair to the children, the SNAs and indeed the entire school community. The review and circular do not take account of the student who has autism and may require additional regulation and sensory support. They do not take account of the student who has a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia and may need a little assistance in reading, writing and so on. It is the Minister's job now to ensure that the SNA circular reflects the job the SNA actually does on the ground. Any reduction or narrowing of the scope will not be accepted. It is incredible that it was the families and SNAs across the country who had to sound the alarm on this issue. The week before this news broke, I asked the Minister of State about the budget and the timelines for delivery of more SNAs and special education teachers. I outlined the difficulty so many families and special educational schools are facing. It seems the NCSE is actually steering the ship here. I urge the Minister to get in control of that agency and ensure families and children with disabilities are protected.

Sentiment score: 0.14