Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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155. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine the situation in which the junior certificate is considered the minimum requirement to become a special needs assistant, SNA, and the reason a course currently attended by SNAs at UCD is not being considered for accreditation by her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10751/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The current entry level qualification for Special Needs Assistants is set out in my Department's circular 0051/2019 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.

While many SNAs have qualifications above the entry requirement, there are no plans to change the qualifications required for appointment.

The Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme (SNAs) was published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2018. The Review made a number of recommendations regarding SNAs. While SNAs are very much valued in the provision of care support, the Review recommended that a more broadly based set of supports was required including therapeutic supports.

The Review also referenced SNA training. Among the recommendations was the introduction of a national training programme for SNAs currently employed in our schools. Following a public procurement process, University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education, in conjunction with UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, were selected to develop and deliver this important educational initiative. UCD’s wide-ranging experience and expertise will enable the delivery of a broad-ranging and high-quality programme.

This major educational initiative will enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of SNAs whose work is central to the inclusion of students with additional care and complex needs in school life. For some SNAs, this programme may present the first opportunity in recent times for them to engage with the

theory and research based best practice underlying their role. Completion of the programme may serve as a stepping stone to further education opportunities in the area.

Each participant who completes the programme successfully will receive a certificate from UCD School of Education.

There is no cost to serving SNAs working in schools. This course is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

Participation in the programme is voluntary and all available places in this phase have been taken up.