Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to review correspondence on the matter of special needs assistants and the current process involved in getting permanency in their post (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40027/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) make a very valuable contribution to our school communities through the provision of adult supports to enable students with significant care needs to attend school.

Reflecting significant investment in special education over recent years, there are more than 21,900 SNAs working to support students in mainstream schools and in special schools and classes. Budget 2025 provides for a further 1,600 SNA posts which will bring the number of SNAs to over 23,000.

The recruitment and appointment of SNAs is a matter for individual school authorities. The Board of Management of the school/ETB is the employer of SNAs, and my Department acts as paymaster on behalf of schools.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNA posts to individual schools. The number of SNAs employed in a school from year to year depends on the allocation to the school by the NCSE.

Payment Arrangements for SNAs during July and August are set out in which advises that standard SNA post holders are paid annually including for these summer periods. This circular also sets out information regarding situations where entitlement to benefits from the Department of Social Protection applies.

My Department has established an SNA Workforce Development Unit (SNAWDU) to ensure that sufficient time and attention is given to examination of the SNA role and any reform or development required. Work is currently progressing on the first Special Needs Assistants Workforce Development Plan with a scheduled completion date of September 2025.

The plan which includes a review of the SNA contract is being developed in direct consultation and collaboration with SNAs and other key stakeholders including school leaders, teachers, parents and students, giving all parties an opportunity to provide input and share views on the future development and direction of the SNA service.

Links to all of the relevant circulars and information on the progress of the SNA Workforce Development are available on the dedicated SNA Information Hub on the government website.