Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs Staff

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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434. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason some special needs assistants are not performing catheterisation at some schools as per circular 30/2014 being supported by their union and contrary to the Department of Health, which says the procedure does not need to be carried out by trained medical personnel (details supplied); the provisions in place in schools in which SNAs are not currently performing the procedure in circumstances in which a legal basis exists for them to do so as per the circular and a Labour Court ruling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40376/20]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) carry out very important care functions for children with care needs in the school. The purpose of their role is to enable children with significant care needs to attend school and participate in school activities to the maximum possible extent. The aim of the role is to address the immediate care needs of the student and encourage their independence. Over time, some students do become more independent and self-autonomous in personal care matters.

Special Needs Assistants are employed by the individual school board of management but terms and conditions are set nationally.

The functions of SNAs are outlined in circulars which are published and updated on a regular basis in consultation with staff interests.

These functions include assistance with clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene and being mindful of health and safety needs of the pupil. Catheterisation comes within the toileting function. This position was confirmed in a Labour Court recommendation in September 2018.

Where training is required, this is matter for the school to arrange. Close liaison with the family is encouraged because parents will be very familiar with the care needs of their child and will have received training where this was required.

Where an SNA is not carrying out their care duties as requested by the school, then it is a matter for the school management authority to address. There are agreed disciplinary procedures in place should they be required.

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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435. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the circular under which special needs assistants can insist on a two-to-one ratio of two SNAs per one child to assist with toileting in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40377/20]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are employed by the managerial authorities of individual schools or by Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The Board of Management/ETB is the SNA's employer and the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management, subject to Departmental guidelines.

Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support is provided specifically to assist recognised primary, post primary and special schools to cater for the care needs of students with disabilities with significant care needs.

My Department’s Circular 0030/2014 sets out details of the primary care needs for which SNA support will usually be provided and details the types of secondary care associated tasks which SNAs may often perform.

Schools are required to have a care plan for each student for whom SNA support is provided and the SNA role in supporting the student should be agreed with parents as part of the care plan.

Where specific training is required, the School Board of Management should liaise with the parent or Health Service Executive (HSE) as necessary.

With regard to how many SNAs or adults should be present when intimate care needs are being carried out, there is no requirement for two SNAs to be present. In this regard, there is a need to balance the requirement to ensure child protection procedures are adhered to and to preserve the dignity of the child involved.

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