Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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175. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if all persons who previously qualified for the role of SNA will automatically qualify for the new inclusion support assistant role; his plans to provide training for persons who previously worked as a SNA to assist them in taking up these roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37109/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The current entry level qualification for Special Needs Assistants is set out in my department's circular 0021/2011 which requires a FETAC level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, OR a minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate, OR the Equivalent. This remains unchanged.

The Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme which set out to ensure that the Scheme is achieving the best outcomes possible for children with special educational needs was published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in May this year.

The Review recommends the development of a national training programme at FETAC level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications for existing and new SNAs, recognising the fundamental importance of building schools' capacity to meet students' additional care needs.

In response to the Review, I have undertaken to develop proposals for the implementation of the NCSE's recommendations and to return to Government following engagement with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Health, with a proposed implementation plan to include governance and accountability framework and detailed costings of proposals.