Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has said that Waterford’s two Government Ministers must pick a side this week as the escalating SNA crisis comes before the Dáil, with Sinn Féin tabling a motion to protect supports and an online public meeting taking (Monday)place tonight to hear directly from parents and Special Needs Assistants.
McGuinness has long championed the provision of special education in Waterford. Both he and his fellow Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane have been working closely together on the issue and engaging with families and SNAs who are deeply concerned about the Government’s proposed changes to SNA allocations.
Conor D. McGuinness TD said:
“Waterford Ministers must pick a side this week as the SNA crisis comes before the Dáil. Parents and SNAs deserve clarity on whether Mary Butler and John Cummins will stand with children with additional needs or stand over their Government.”
“Tonight we are hosting an online public meeting bringing together parents and SNAs from Waterford and across the state to speak directly about the real impact these proposed changes will have in our schools. Tomorrow Sinn Féin will move a motion in the Dáil demanding that the Government reverse course and guarantee that no child loses vital support.”
“For weeks families have been left with confusion, mixed messaging and no firm, unequivocal commitment that SNA allocations will not be reduced in September. That uncertainty is unacceptable and it is being felt in classrooms across this county.”
“What is increasingly unacceptable is the silence from Waterford’s two Government Ministers. Parents are speaking out. SNAs are speaking out. School communities are mobilising. Yet those who sit at the Cabinet table have failed to publicly challenge their own Government or reflect the depth of concern locally.”
“Protests led by parents and SNAs are due to take place across the state, including outside the constituency offices of both Ministers here in Waterford. That in itself speaks to the level of frustration and anger that continues to build.”
“Our motion before the Dáil is clear. Scrap any plans that would reduce SNA allocations and provide certainty now. Children with additional needs deserve stability and proper support. Mary Butler and John Cummins must decide this week where they stand.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR
- An online public meeting will take place at 8pm Monday 23rd February with hundreds already registered to attend. Click here to register.
- Protests have been called by the National Save our SNAs Campaign
- Waterford City: 4pm Wed 25th, John Cummins Constituency Office, Parnell St.
- Dungarvan: 4pm Fri 27th, Mary Butler Constituency Office, O’Connell St.
Conor D. McGuinness TD 