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iCARE joins 1,000-strong Dáil
protest
18.07.11
INISHOWEN Children's
Autism Related Education (iCARE) say they fear
children with special needs will have to leave
mainstream education because of cuts in the number
of special needs assistant (SNA).
The local group took part in last Wednesday's
protest involving up to 1,000 people outside the
Dáil.
Speaking at the demonstration, iCARE chairperson
Liam Gill said the proposed cuts would benefit
nobody.
"In lots of cases special needs children/students
will not be in a position to continue in mainstream
education," he said. "Ultimately we contend that
that is going to cost the Government more, but
secondly it is going to have a detrimental effect on
the well-being of the children.
"Already parents and teachers have been told of
resources being axed. The role of the SNA has
evolved to incorporate an educational remit, which
was not previously envisaged. There is currently no
alternative that would deliver the need for SNAs to
deliver pedagogical support to children with special
educational needs. Not only must the cap be lifted,
but the numbers increased to take account of
population growth."
Last week's protest was organised by a number of
groups that will be affected by the cuts such as
schools and parents. Several independent TDs and the
United Left Alliance also attended.
Mr Gill added: "It is a scandal that while
children’s futures are being traded in this way, the
Government plans to repay hundreds of millions in
unsecured bonds at Anglo Irish Bank later in the
year. This is not good enough."
iCARE says it is hoped a national campaign group
will come together, to organise a major protest
outside the Dáil on Wednesday, September 14.
"Let the Government take note – parents, teachers
and SNAs will not rest until this injustice is
reversed."
The current cap on special needs assistants in
schools was set by the previous government at
10,575. It now stands at 10,802 and the Government
have proposed to cut back to the original cap. Mr
Gill thanked the iCARE parents and Cllr Jack Murray
who travelled to Dublin as well as Pa Deeney for
giving up his free time to drive the group to and
from the protest. |
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