Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
349. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the safeguards that will be put in place to ensure the revised SNA circular is implemented consistently across all schools and that SNAs are not assigned duties beyond those envisaged under the revised framework. [51091/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department values the central role that Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) play in the successful inclusion of students with special educational needs in schools by helping to ensure that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their full potential.
My department published the first Special Needs Assistant SNA 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
The SNA workforce has grown significantly in recent years and now includes around 25,000 staff across primary, post-primary and special schools. Built around five strategic pillars and delivered in close consultation with stakeholders, the Plan recognises the vital contribution these SNAs make to supporting all children and young people with special educational needs and enabling their full participation in school life. It sets out a clear framework to strengthen and support SNAs through enhanced professional development, greater role clarity, workforce sustainability measures and stronger collaboration across school communities.
My department conducted a comprehensive review of the existing circulars on the role of the SNA as part of ongoing work on the Plan. This work was supported by a working group comprising a wide range of stakeholders providing input from a number of perspectives. These stakeholders include school management bodies, Fórsa, the recognised trade union which represents SNAs, the National Parents Council, the Children’s Rights Alliance.
My department also conducted significant focus group research with SNAs, with teachers and with school leaders to gather views. A national survey of SNAs and a consultation with children and young people were undertaken. This extensive research and collaboration ensured everyone in our school communities was given the opportunity to provide input. Therefore, Circular 0032/2026, www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/the-role-of-special-needs-assistants/, on the role of the SNA provides a detailed description of the range of duties and responsibilities of the evolved SNA role and is the product of meaningful collaboration with all those in our school communities. It is accompanied by a comprehensive guidance document to support effective implementation.
My Department notes the outcome of the ballot by members of Fórsa to not accept the SNA Workforce Development Plan which was developed between the department, SNAs, Fórsa and other key stakeholders, and recommended for acceptance by Fórsa. The publication of the first ever SNA Workforce Development Plan on 3 June fulfils a key commitment in the Programme for Government.
SNAs, alongside schools, parents and advocacy groups, have consistently called for a clearer workforce plan to support and strengthen the SNA role. In response, the department developed the SNA Workforce Development Plan following a comprehensive two-year consultation and engagement process, which included input from approximately 13,000 SNAs, as well as students, parents, teachers, school leaders and other stakeholders, including Fórsa.
The overall aim of the SNA Workforce Development Plan is to support SNAs and strengthen the role into the future by recognising SNAs as professionals, providing greater clarity about their responsibilities, and ensuring appropriate training, development, and career supports in order to provide the best possible service to students with special educational needs in our schools.
The department awaits feedback from Fórsa’s engagement with their members as to the reasons behind this outcome and is available to work to constructively address relevant issues.
Further updates, including more information on the SNA Workforce Development Plan can be found on the SNA Information Hub on www.gov.ie
