Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael attempted a shameful plan to cut SNAs, with some schools facing a loss of as many as six or seven SNAs with absolutely devastating consequences for children and young people. Of course, they were forced into a U-turn by the anger from parents, children, young people and, of course, SNAs. This cannot happen again. Our motion this evening calls on the Government to immediately engage with the Save our SNAs campaign and advance and implement its updated and improved circular on the role of SNAs. This is all to ensure that every child and young person gets the supports they need. Will the Taoiseach agree to engage with the campaign and support the new circular?

I introduced the whole concept of special needs assistants to education back in 1998. The numbers have grown expediently since. We are now at 25,000 SNAs. In any honest way, how can the Deputy suggest there are cuts in the number of SNAs when it is the opposite direction? In fact, the Government today approved further investment in education, which will mean more special needs assistants above the 25,000 for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

Will the Government engage with the campaign?

The campaign is a flawed campaign. It is a false one.

It is what?

We do not need to save SNAs because we are expanding the number of SNAs. We actually have more SNAs.

It is a very real campaign. I am asking the Taoiseach to engage with it.

We have more investment. The Deputy is searching for votes. I understand that.

Thank you, Taoiseach. I call Deputy Bacik.

We are actually investing more. The Government has approved more investment in SNAs today.

The Government will not engage with it.