Special Needs Assistants: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-24
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Darren O'Rourke (SF), Meath East

I thank everyone who contributed to the debate. I want to pick up on a number of comments from the Minister in my closing remarks. I am deeply disappointed with both contributions. The senior Minister who has responsibility said in her comments that, "At the forefront of our deliberations was ensuring that the child-centred approach to the provision of special education is retained and enhanced in these policy developments." No one believes that. The Minister needs to talk to and listen to people. She said, "This Government has nothing but respect for SNAs, special education teachers, schools, students and their families." There was an audible laugh from the Gallery in relation to that. The Gallery is made up of SNAs and some teachers. The Minister needs to hear what is being said there. She said that, "To say that the Government is not funding resources for children with special educational needs is a mistruth." Less than 24 hours ago, this Government could not confirm that schools would not lose SNAs in September. SNAs for children who needed support were being cut for want of €19 million. To say that is a mistruth is very far from reality. The Minister is not opposing this motion tonight. Is it because she supports it? Is it because she is going to implement its proposals? Is it because she is ready for a reset? No, no and no. She is not opposing the motion because she does not want to be held accountable for her position in relation to this. There is a step-change on this issue. Communities, parents, SNAs and school communities are organised. They will, and we will, hold the Government to account.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:40+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-24