Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth Education the current operational status of the special needs assistant redeployment scheme referenced in Circular 0032/2025; whether it is fully operational nationwide; and the way allocation reductions are managed in schools pending full implementation of the scheme [13549/26]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for their question. Work to develop a SNA Redeployment Scheme is at an advanced stage. This important policy initiative will ensure that competent, knowledgeable, and experienced SNAs are retained in our schools, building capacity in the workforce and enhancing the service to children with special educational needs.
Undertaken in conjunction with work on the first SNA Workforce Development Plan (the plan), the SNA Redeployment Scheme will be operated by the National Council for Education (NCSE). For the first time, it will allow SNAs in posts which may no longer be required for reasons such as falling enrolments, reduced care needs or changing demographics, to be redeployed to a school which has a vacant post.
The scheme is being implemented for the 2025/26 school year, providing an opportunity for redeployment of SNAs as the need arises for the start of the 2026/27 school year. The NCSE will be supported by the SNA Workforce Development Unit and relevant units within my department.
It is important to note that SNAs in surplus standard posts identified through the NCSE’s SNA Review process will remain in the relevant school for the rest of the academic year. Assuming no change to SNA allocations in the meantime, eligible SNAs in standard posts (both full-time and part-time) who opt for redeployment may be redeployed to a new post in September 2026.
The NCSE will provide support to schools and SNAs through webinars to provide further information on the operation of the SNA Redeployment Scheme. Schools and SNAs are encouraged to raise any issues/queries with their staff representatives and management bodies so that my department and the NCSE can address these together during regular consultations, both in the lead up to the Scheme’s launch and throughout its implementation during the 2025/26 school year.
Updates and final details of the SNA Redeployment Scheme, including a comprehensive circular and guidelines, will be published on the NCSE website and the SNA Information Hub on www.gov.ie as work progresses.
