Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
345. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number and percentage of special needs assistants currently employed who hold qualifications at Levels 6, 7, 8 and postgraduate level, respectively; and whether consideration will be given to recognising existing qualifications as part of the implementation of the revised SNA framework. [51087/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra346. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether additional funding or supports will be made available to SNAs required to undertake mandatory professional development under the proposed revised SNA contract, including paid release time and financial assistance where appropriate. [51088/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra348. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department intends to examine career progression opportunities for special needs assistants, including the development of advanced or specialist SNA roles with appropriate remuneration and responsibilities. [51090/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 345, 346 and 348 together.
My department published the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan (the Plan) and a number of associated policy documents on the 3 June 2026. These documents are available on www.gov.ie
In the research phase of the Plan my department conducted the first national survey of special needs assistants (SNAs). The purpose of the survey which was accessed by more than 13,000 SNAs was to gather information about SNAs and their work to inform the Plan.
Findings from the survey on the highest level of education attained by SNAs indicate 41% hold a NFQ Level 6 qualification, with 9% holding NFQ Level 7 and 16% holding a NFQ Level 8 qualification while a further 4% hold a NFQ Level 9 qualification. The full report on the survey is available on www.gov.ie.
It is intended that the Learning and Development Programme developed under pillar 3 of the Plan will strengthen SNA service delivery by providing equitable access to appropriate, legitimate opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, to ensure that SNAs are equipped to meet the complex needs of children and young people in their care in an evolving educational environment.
Proposals set out in the Plan include working towards a minimum educational requirement of NFQ Level 6 in SNA training or a relevant discipline over a phased approach. My department will develop a mechanism to assess prior qualifications, learning and experience including in relation to qualifications attained outside of Ireland.
My department is committed to supporting SNAs to meet this minimum educational requirement and to upskill in their role as demonstrated by the continued investment into the SNA National Training Programme which is delivered by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), St. Angela’s College in Sligo. This course is fully funded by my department and delivered free of charge to SNAs working in primary, post-primary and special schools. To date, approximately 3,774 SNAs have completed this programme.
The 72 hours working requirement for SNA’s has been in place since 2005, forming part of the SNA contract of employment, as agreed with unions. Under the terms of the standard employment contract agreed in 2005, SNAs were required to be available for a number of days at the start and finish of each school term, not exceeding 12 in total. Under the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement, it was agreed to convert that requirement to one of 72 hours (pro-rata for part-time SNAs), for use by schools as an additional bank of hours to be utilised and delivered outside of normal school opening hours and/or the normal school year.
These arrangements were notified to schools in 2011, in Department Circular 0071/2011. This time is used to complete training and upskilling as well as planning, reviewing and collaboration with colleagues. It allows SNAs to complete these important tasks without taking away from the time spent supporting students during the school day. This time was not increased under circular 71/2011 and it has not been increased under the new arrangements.
Under Circular 0032/2026 on the role of the SNA the 72 hours has been replaced by: School Community Time (max 36 hours) and Learning and Development Time (max. 36 hours). School Community Time will ensure that SNAs are involved in planning and review of Student Support Plans in all schools and also that they are included in relevant school staff meetings. Learning and Development Time will ensure that the training needs of SNAs are being met across the school sector and that training associated with the role can be recorded under this category. The circular is accompanied by a comprehensive guidance document to support effective implementation
In respect of pay and allowances, the Government is committed to the delivery of quality public services and continues to approach public service pay in a balanced way that is reasonable and fair to both public servants and to the taxpayer. This has been achieved through a series of national collective agreements, agreed between trade unions and the Government, applying across the public sector.
Amendments to SNA terms and conditions, including pay can only be achieved through engagement and collective bargaining agreements between the Government and the Public Service unions. Such changes can occur only under those processes, and any such proposals would need to be considered in detail by my department, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the relevant unions.
Further details on the Plan and the associated published documents are available on www.gov.ie at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/special-needs-assistant-sna-workforce-development-plan/.
