Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and advise the following in relation to supports for neurodivergent students during examinations:

The RACE scheme is operated within the context of the annually issued RACE Instructions for Schools(www.examinations.ie/schools/cs_view.php?q=23c5e7e2fe3a2712503dd9040040800987a46ab6), which is the handbook on RACE, and all applications for reasonable accommodations are considered within a published Framework of Principles. Comprehensive information about the scheme is available from the SEC’s website at www.examinations.ie .

Assessment of eligibility for reasonable accommodations is based on appropriate evidence of need and not on a diagnosis of any specific condition. For some accommodations evidence of need requires school-based testing to be undertaken.

In relation to your query regarding payment for SNAs on leave, I can confirm that, in a situation whereby a SNA is on a temporary contract and their contract ends before, for example the Christmas break, they will receive statutory holiday pay (1.66 days for every month they work) and if the SNA resumes work directly after the break they will get paid retrospectively for that break. If a SNA returns to the same school after the summer break they will get paid for the summer break as set out in Department of Education Circular 0111/2007.

I would also like to advise the Deputy that the SNA Workforce Development Unit within Special Education Division in my Department are currently working on the development of the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan. The plan, which will be developed over the next 2 years, will introduce policy developments which will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service. This will include a review of the SNA Contract of Employment in line with the commitment under the Building Momentum National Pay Agreement.

The plan will include consideration of how best school leaders and SNAs can work together to ensure that both are supported to provide the most effective service to children with significant care needs in our schools. The plan will be developed in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders including school leaders and the SNAs, giving all parties an opportunity to provide input and share views on the future development and direction of the SNA service.