Tá a fhios ag gach duine atá anseo ó Ghaelcholáiste Chiarraí an tacaíocht agus an chabhair a thugann SNAs do dhaltaí agus don phobal iomlán sna scoileanna.

I have been contacted by many schools, in particular, Fossa National School outside Killarney, which has lost four SNAs in that one school in the analysis provided to date. A review is coming up, but there seems to be an overly strict application of the meaning of "significant needs". I have also been contacted about this issue by schools in Glenflesk, Listowel and Portmagee, as well as schools in Donegal and Cork. I ask the Tánaiste to consider this issue and pass on that clarity is needed by SNAs and school communities. In Fossa National School, for example, there will be two SNAs left for 236 pupils after the proposal to cut four SNAs. Will the Tánaiste look at this and maybe relax the strict interpretation that is being made so that he can give some comfort to people? Pupils need to feel safe and parents need to know their children are safe in schools, and with help.

I thank Deputy Daly for raising the matter of SNA provision in his own county and, indeed, Donegal. I will certainly speak to the Minister for education and the Minister of State with responsibility for special education on that point and the point he made about the interpretation or definition of significant need and how it is being applied in various schools. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy directly.