Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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295. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will take steps to resolve the dispute that has arisen in schools in relation to SNAs being asked to use a catheter with certain students that need help with toileting; and when staff with nursing experience will be employed in schools to help certain students' needs as promised. [42561/20]

Josepha 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.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. 

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. 

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.