Niall Collins
Question:348. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32192/26]
View answerWednesday, 6 May 2026
Questions (348)
Written answers
The Teaching Council, as the professional regulatory body for teaching, has statutory responsibility for the accreditation of initial teacher education (ITE) programmes and for the registration of primary and post-primary teachers. Revised standards for the accreditation of programmes of ITE, Céim – Standards for Initial Teacher Education, were published by the Teaching Council in November 2020. Céim sets out the requirements that all ITE programmes in Ireland must meet in order to gain accreditation from the Teaching Council. It is also a benchmark for anybody seeking to register as a teacher in Ireland.
All prospective teachers must have successfully completed a programme of Initial Teacher Education. While an individual’s life experience and prior professional experience would no doubt enrich their teaching, it is up to individual Higher Education Institutions to decide what recognition of prior learning, knowledge, skills, and experience is appropriate in any particular circumstance.
Special Needs Assistants play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with special education needs in schools to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
The SNA workforce development unit in the department’s special education section are currently developing the first SNA Workforce Development Plan scheduled for delivery later this year. This plan will introduce a strategic approach to policy development and will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service, including in the area of learning and development for SNAs.
Progress on the plan and other useful information around the SNA role, including around training and upskilling opportunities, is available on the SNA Information Hub www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/special-needs-assistant-sna-information-hub/ which was set up as a result of feedback from SNAs during the research phase of the plan.
All current actions being undertaken by my Department are aimed to improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools, which is central to the educational outcomes of children. The Department’s ongoing approach is to monitor all ITE programmes, to continue to develop further innovative measures to ensure sustainable models of ITE into the future and improve the availability of teachers.
Information on financial supports for students can be found on the following link: Financial supports for students www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education/financial-supports-for-students/