Scrapping SNA cuts
Deputy Graves called for the Government’s SNA cut plan to be scrapped, saying quota-driven reductions would harm vulnerable children. The Taoiseach defended ongoing reviews, said SNA numbers had risen, and clarified that the school-by-school process should avoid sudden shocks.
The Government's plan to cut SNAs from individual schools has to be scrapped. It shows the Government is out of touch with the needs of schools and parents, but most importantly, children. Imposing quotas to SNAs is going to affect our most vulnerable children. I have been contacted by schools and parents across my constituency and they are really anxious about the announcement. Those who have gotten letters do not know what situation they are going to be in. One mother who wrote to me yesterday asked:
When will our Government open their eyes to people with disabilities in this country, especially our children? It is a no for this plan. It is an already weak service and thankfully the SNAs are amazing and do so much more than they are paid for.
That is reflective of many parents' comments.
Comment on this
I have responded to this on a number of occasions this afternoon. We have increased the number of SNAs and will continue to do that. There will have to be reviews on an ongoing basis. Members accepted that in the House this afternoon. One has to evaluate all of the time. Needs change in schools. Some schools have additional need; others may not.
Comment on this
Obviously it will be after a substantial review. It should be school by school, ongoing and regular, so there are no big surprises like what happened with the letters that were sent by the NCSE when some schools were told they would lose four SNAs. That was never the case. Approximately 68% of those 500 are staying the same and increasing.