Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Senator correctly pointed out, €2 billion, almost 25% of the total education budget, is going into special education this year. Budget 2021 provided for an additional 900 SNAs who are vital to the smooth running of the schools for children with additional needs. An unprecedented 18,000 will be in place by the year's end. They play a critical role in supporting children with additional needs, many of whom would not otherwise be able to attend school or participate in any school activities. Children often have a great attachment to their SNA. They attend to the significant care needs of students with complex needs and work under the direction of the class teacher to help ensure that class teaching and learning proceeds smoothly for all students.

Specifically, on the training programme in UCD, the Senator correctly pointed out it is the first SNA national training programme. The 2018 NCSE policy advice on the SNA scheme recommended that a new national training programme at level 5 of the national qualification framework be developed for existing SNAs who do not have the requisite level of training, and for new SNAs on appointment. That policy advice was considered at length by the Department. It was decided that priority should be given to the development of a training programme for SNAs who may not have had a recent opportunity to access a training programme tailored to their role. The aim was to provide an upskilling opportunity rather than a formal qualification. As the Senator set out, it is in UCD and 500 SNAs started in January, there is up to a maximum of 3,500.

On accreditation, as it is the very first national training programme, it is appropriate to take the time to review the outcomes from this training which will inform the future approach to ongoing training and professional development of SNAs. Part of that consideration would include accreditation. The programme is fully funded by the Department and delivered online at no cost to the SNA themselves. Completion of the programme may serve as a stepping stone to further education opportunities in this area. Each participant who completes the programme successfully will receive a certificate from the UCD school of education, which I think will be of assistance to them in pursuing further education. Some €2.45 million has been allocated over the next four-year period. The next cohort of SNAs due to take part will enrol in September 2021.

I appreciate what the Senator is saying around the care and comfort that is given and the compassion they give in their job every day. That is why the Department has rolled-out this national training programme for the first time. It is a stepping stone - it is not the end of the line, it is only the beginning. I have had great feedback from SNAs individually around it. I appreciate the issue around accreditation. It is something that will be considered as part of the outcomes of the review after we see how this first program actually transpires.