The shambles we have seen over the past few weeks would suggest that either the Government does not adequately understand the crisis it is overseeing or the real meaning of inclusion for our children. The decision to cut the number of SNAs was a decision to cut, regardless of how the Government wants to spin it. It was a reduction and a curtailment of the duties on which an assessment would take place on the basis of a highly outdated circular. Nearly one third of the schools that were reviewed were told that the number of SNAs would be reduced. This was a cut. These reviews are clearly not fit for purpose. The question must be asked as to whether the NCSE is the appropriate body to carry out these assessments. Clearly, a change is needed in order to reflect the valuable work SNAs do so that they can provide the supports that are needed to children. There is a better way forward. The review of the review is not good enough. We need to see the role of SNAs recognised properly and expanded to include regulation and communication. SNAs across the country, including those in my constituency, assist children with regulation, which is not mentioned in the 2014 circular, and communication, but this is not considered when allocating SNAs. The Minister must agree to an open and honest conversation with parents, unions, advocacy groups and school leaders, who we will see outside the Dáil later and who are rightly raising their voices because what they are doing is expressing that the system is not working for them. It is not working for SNAs, it is not working for children, it is not working for teachers and it is not working for parents. The Taoiseach states that there has been a huge increase in numbers, but the reality is that there is a need for this increase in order to make real inclusion in our classes work to support both children and the SNAs and teachers who are doing their best.

Sentiment score: 0.10