Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
335. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a timeline as to when the promised SNA circular which will replace 30/2014 will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41083/26]
View answer336. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a timeline as to when the promised SNA redeployment circular will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41084/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 336 together.
My department is in the final stages of work on the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan and associated documents. The Plan provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and supporting SNAs, children with special educational needs and school communities. It will, through a co-created series of policy developments strengthen, clarify and offer clear direction and consistency to the SNA workforce.
Significant research and collaboration have been undertaken in preparation of the Plan. This includes significant engagement with focus groups of SNAs, students, school leaders and teachers as well as a national survey of SNAs. Published reports on each are available on the government website.
The plan is also supported by collaborative working groups established for each of the five pillars of the work. Membership of these working groups include school management bodies, Fórsa the trade union representing SNAs, school staff, the National Parents Council and the Children’s Rights Alliance.
The working groups examined every facet of the SNA role in 55 meetings over the last two years with a view to enhancing support to children and young people with special educational needs. I also recently met with stakeholder representatives and with SNAs in a day long engagement to discuss this important work.
Key outputs from the Plan include a new circular on the role of the SNA, a SNA Redeployment Scheme and a review of the SNA employment contract. I very much value the key contribution that SNAs make to the educational experience and overall wellbeing of students in our schools and I am pleased to confirm that the drafting of the Plan, circulars on the SNA role and the SNA redeployment scheme are at an advanced stage. It is intended that they will be published in the coming weeks.
