Taoiseach must clarify if he expects teachers to replace the role of SNAs
Taoiseach must clarify if he expects teachers to replace the role of SNAs - The Labour Party
Labour’s education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny TD has expressed his concern about the language used in communications to schools from the Department of Education regarding the allocation of SNAs.
Deputy Kenny raised during the Order of Business in the Dáil correspondence from the Department which was issued to schools last week which stated:
“The NCSE advise that teachers engage further with the comprehensive programme of NCSE Teacher Professional Learning seminars covering a variety of special educational needs topics, to assist in meeting the needs of students identified in this SNA review. These seminars have been designed to address the unique training needs of teachers working with students with special educational needs.”
Deputy Kenny called on the Taoiseach to clarity if this Government are moving to demand teachers take on the role of SNAs.
Deputy Kennys said:
“I am deeply concerned about the language used in the correspondence issued to schools from the Department. Just what is going on here? Is this Government seriously planning on replacing SNAs by advising teachers to take on the role?
“There appears to have been a policy shift here that has not been communicated by the line Minister, by the Department or by the Taoiseach. We need clear answers from Government about what is happening here.
“The pause announced today is a knee-jerk reaction to public pressure but what comes next? How long is this pause in place for? Is it the position of this Government that the role of SNAs will be replaced? If so, the Labour Party will be standing in absolute opposition to this and do everything to prevent it from happening.
“Our schools and classrooms would not function without SNAs. They are a lifeline for so many schools and children. The disconnect between supporting the learning and wellbeing of children with additional needs and this Government is atrocious, it is shocking and we will fight it to the last.”