The Government has finally woken up and seen sense on the SNA issue after what has been a policy failure of epic proportions. However, the question remains, why did it take two weeks to realise that stripping essential supports from some of the most vulnerable children in the State virtually overnight was wrong? This should have never of happened in the first place. Make no mistake if it was not for the ferocious determination of SNAs and families who dug their heels in and refused to accept these cuts, this out of touch Government would have ploughed on. Maith sibh ar fad. Cé go bhfuil cinneadh an Rialtais ciorruithe cúntóirí riachtanas speisialta a chur ar ceal tar éis an bhuairt i measc an phobal scoile a mhaolú, ní dheachaigh sé i ngleic go fóill leis na bunfhadhbanna atá againn. Caithfear ról na gcúntóirí riachtanas speisialta a leathnú. Níor chóir go ndéanfaí athbhreithniú ar aon leithdháileadh cúntóirí riachtanas speisialta go dtí go n-aithnítear riachtanais iomlána na bpáistí ionas gur féidir le páistí le dúshláin chumarsáide, mhothúchánacha agus iompair rochtain a bheith acu ar an tacaíocht atá de dhíth. Tá na critéir atá ann faoi láthair as dáta agus níl siad ag coinneáil leis an méid atá ag tarlú sna scoileanna. At Sinn Féin's public meeting last night attended by over 1,000 people, we heard directly from SNAs, parents, principals and disabled individuals who themselves have successfully navigated the education system with their SNA. Many spoke of feeling devalued by the Government's recent actions. SNAs described managing children's intense distress all while celebrating their little milestones - for example, a dyslexic child picking up a book independently and a child feeling empowered to start walking or to speak in class. One mother spoke of her son currently without the right support in school who returns home overwhelmed and frustrated due to having to mask his needs all day in school. We were all fighting back the tears at this meeting. An apology is owed to the affected families. One woman made a powerful point that some children tuned into this conversation may have internalised the idea that they were somehow the problem. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is the system that has failed these beautiful children. Confidence and trust are shattered. An awful lot of work has to be done now to repair. That starts with showing SNAs and vulnerable children the respect they deserve. That means embracing a genuinely child-centred approach. No amount of shiny policy documents or talk of inclusion can convince us that the Government's approach is child-centred until every child has the support they need to succeed in school to the best of their ability. No child should be left behind. There should be no more rationing when it comes to children's education not when we are giving tax breaks to the wealthy.

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Apologise.

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