Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The terms and conditions of employment for SNAs are outlined in their contracts of employment.  These contracts were agreed with the school management authorities and the relevant trade unions representing SNAs, IMPACT and SIPTU, prior to their introduction in 2005. The agreement reached between the parties found expression in the two circular letters issued in 2005 detailing the contracts of employment for SNAs.

The contract of employment is augmented by all of the relevant departmental circulars governing special needs assistants, which detail the standardised terms and conditions of employment for SNAs. From time to time, these circulars are amended and new circulars are issued by my Department. 

In addition, my Department has implemented a nationally agreed set of grievance procedures for SNAs which can be invoked by an SNA, with an employer, to deal, where appropriate, with issues such as school rules, policies and procedures or practices. Department of Education and Skills, DES, circular 72/2011 - Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures for Special Needs Assistants in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools - refers. 

If, upon conclusion of the grievance process, the grievance remains unresolved, the SNA may refer the matter to the Workplace Relations Commission through the normal dispute resolution channels.

As is the case for certain other employees, SNAs have the right to submit or refer complaints in relation to contraventions of or disputes relating to entitlements under employment, equality and equal status legislation to the Workplace Relations Commission for resolution and agreement.

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