This is the watershed moment for SNAs in this country
This is the watershed moment for SNAs in this country - The Labour Party
- Over 400 attend online public meeting
- Labour to support protest outside Leinster House next Wednesday at 5pm
- Security must be given to SNAs and children across the country
The Labour Party education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny TD this evening hosted an online public meeting attended by over 400 people expressing their support and solidarity with SNAs across the country.
In a week where this Government showed their colours when it comes to children, families and the SNAs who make it all happen, Deputy Kenny has called for communities across the country to join in an action of national protest at 5pm next Wednesday (25th February).
Speaking this evening, Deputy Kenny said:
“The past week has been one of incredible stress seeing SNAs and families of children with additional needs plunged into chaos with reckless, senseless and egregious cuts to SNA roles nationwide. While Government agreed to “pause” these cuts after extreme political and people pressure, I am clear, this week must mark a watershed moment in how we treat our SNAs.
“So many issues were raised this evening by SNAs, parents and families who all have the same message for this Government – start treating our SNAs with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
“We are calling on Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to give clarity to SNAs across the country that they will not be redeployed and that their role will not be cut. While Government seems to see this as a recalibration of resources, the reality felt by school communities is that this is a cut, a loss, and children will be the worse for it.
“The Labour Party will be attending the national protest outside Leinster House next Wednesday at 5pm, and representatives for the Party will be hosting protests in communities nationwide. We must come together now in support of our SNAs, and show this Government that we will not accept anything less than a changed approach to the treatment of SNAs, to the support of children and to working to build a society that truly values care.”