Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
327. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the considerations given to the importance of continuity of relationships between special needs assistants and pupils with additional educational needs when developing the proposed allocation and redeployment arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSNAs play a vital role in providing additional support which is focused on the development of students’ independence to help them learn, develop and reach their full potential.
Circular 0032/2026 The Role of Special Needs Assistants (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/the-role-of-special-needs-assistants-in-recognised-primary-post-primary-and-special-schools/) which was published by my department on 3 June 2026 and developed in close consultation with stakeholders provides for revised arrangements from the coming school year 2026/2027. Supported by an accompanying Guidance Document (https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/dd6bdf99/Guidance_on_the_Role_of_the_SNA_EV.pdf), it emphasises the important role that SNAs play as members of the whole school community that works together to create and maintain a positive, productive, safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
The NCSE SNA Review is a thorough review of each school's care needs. It makes sure schools have the right SNA support to support students' care needs, attendance and participation in school. It also considers appropriate student independence targets with goals suited to their age. Circular 0032/2026 makes it clear, that as part of whole school planning, schools should encourage and empower students to take on manageable tasks and build their confidence and self-esteem.
NCSE SNA Review Guidelines for Schools (https://ncseproductionsa.blob.core.windows.net/assets/2026/06/08402-NCSE-Guideline-for-Schools-for-the-Review-of-SNA-Allocations-2026-27-Proof12.pdf) explain how the reviews will work for school patrons, boards, leaders and staff. The level of SNA support allocated to a school by the NCSE may change from time to time either increasing or decreasing in line with identified needs. When these changes arise, experienced SNAs will now have the opportunity to be retained in the education system for the benefit of students and schools.
Circular 0022/2026 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/sna-redeployment-scheme/) provides for a SNA Redeployment Scheme which supports the objective of the equitable allocation of SNA support to schools based on identified needs. It ensures that the SNA workforce can respond to changing needs and ensures that eligible SNAs are retained in schools, maintaining capacity in the workforce and enhancing the service provided to students and schools
The SNA Redeployment Scheme facilitates experienced SNAs to stay in the education sector ensuring they can continue to build on and share their skills and experience with other SNAs, students and school communities. It ensures that the SNA workforce is flexible and, in a position to respond to emerging needs.
The SNA Redeployment Scheme has been designed and established with the best interests of students as the key priority.
