Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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186. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the new circular being drafted outlining the role of the SNA; the consultations that have taken place to date to inform the contents of the circular; if she will meet with an organisation (details supplied) in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40771/26]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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My department is in the final stages of work on the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan and associated documents. The Plan provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and supporting SNAs, children with special educational needs and school communities. It will, through a co-created series of policy developments strengthen, clarify and offer clear direction and consistency to the SNA workforce.

My department has conducted a comprehensive review of the role of the SNA as part of ongoing work on the first SNA Workforce Development Plan. This work was supported by a working group comprising a wide range of stakeholders which met on 15 occasions in recent times, providing input from a number of perspectives. These stakeholders include school management bodies, SNAs, Fórsa, the recognised trade union which represents SNAs, the National Parents Council, the Children’s Rights Alliance.

All of these organisations through their representatives, participated in the dialogue, exchanged views, provided suggested wording and ultimately influenced the final text of the circular.

My department has also conducted significant focus group research as well as a national survey of SNAs to ensure everyone in our school communities was given the opportunity to provide input.

The outcome is a draft circular which provides a clear and detailed description of the range of duties and responsibilities of the evolved SNA role, and which is the product of meaningful collaboration with all those in our school communities.

This work is at an advanced stage and the plan and new circular on the SNA role are due for publication before the end of this quarter of 2026.