455. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the concerns being raised by special needs assistants (SNAs) in relation to their terms and conditions of employment, including the lack of job security, pension provision, and access to allowances such as clothing allowances; if her Department has undertaken any review of pay disparities between SNAs and teachers participating in schemes such as the July provision programme; and if she will outline any plans to improve the employment conditions, pay and career sustainability of SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16607/26]

My department recognises the value of the SNA role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

The SNA salary scale is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). The current salary scales for SNAs are set out in DE Circular 0007/2026. Under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 (PSA), which has been approved by Government and applies to all public servants, including SNAs, pay increases totalling 9.25% are provided for up to June 2026. These terms were collectively agreed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. To date, SNAs have received pay increases amounting to 8.25%, with the remaining 1% scheduled for implementation on 1 June 2026. This PSA also contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment. The PSA concludes on 30 June 2026.

Payment Arrangements for SNAs during July and August are set out in https://assets.gov.ie/14645/e93bd4fb0c5e4c33b07404bb6bf4cdc2.pdfwhich 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.

Pension arrangements for special needs assistants are set out in Circular 0063/2008. Further details of the Pension Scheme for Special Needs Assistants who are employed by a recognised primary, secondary or community & comprehensive schools is available in the member’s handbook, and details can be found on the following link sna-pension-scheme-handbook.pdf.

Additional information on the Pension Schemes can be accessed on www.gov.ie website at: gov.ie - Pensions: teachers and non-teaching staff (www.gov.ie).

The Summer Programme is an educational programme for children with complex special educational needs which is run during the summer months. Similar to teachers, contracted SNAs are paid their personable rate of pay for each day that they participate on the School-based Summer Programme. Where a school-based programme is not being run or a place is unavailable, a Home-based Summer Programme is available for children with complex special education needs.

Under the home-based programme, grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can determine the most appropriate provision required for their child during the summer months. The role of the teacher and SNA are distinct where a teacher is to provide tuition, and a SNA provides care support as appropriate. Teachers and SNAs are paid per hour for tuition/care support delivered in line with agreed terms and public service pay agreements.

As is standard practice, discussions with public service unions continue on all matters relating to pay agreements. Any review of terms and conditions including pay and pensions for SNAs will follow these established processes and be considered in detail by the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the relevant trade unions.

Taxation policy such as in relation tot the Flat Rate Expenses allowance is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance.

The SNA Workforce Development Unit (SNAWDU) is progressing the first Special Needs Workforce Development Plan (the plan) scheduled for delivery in Q2 2026.

The plan will introduce policy developments which will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service.

Proposals for the plan have been developed in consultation with stakeholders including parents, children, SNAs, school management bodies, unions and other key contacts.

The plan comprises five main pillars:

1. Review and Development of the SNA role

2. Establishment of a Quality Framework

3. Establishment of a SNA Learning and Development Programme

4. Supporting SNA Recruitment, Retention and Diversity

5. Development of a Communications Strategy

The publication of the plan later in 2026 will be followed by an implementation period.

The work in progress under Pillar 4 Supporting SNA Recruitment, Retention and Diversity includes a review of the SNA contract of employment and development of the SNA Redeployment Scheme.

The redeployment scheme will retain knowledge and experience in the sector and ensure that the SNA workforce is agile, and in a position to respond to emerging needs.

A commitment to undertake a review of the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) employment contract was included in the previous public service pay agreement, which preceded the current agreement. In line with this commitment, my department initiated a review of the existing contract arrangements, as set out in Circulars 12/05 and 15/05. This commitment has been extended to allow for work under the plan to be concluded.

I am aware of the concerns referred to by the Deputy and I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities. It has now been agreed that there will be no reductions to special needs assistants for the next school year 2026/27. All schools reviewed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and allocated additional resources will receive them in the upcoming school year.

It was agreed that the SNA redeployment scheme, the SNA workforce development plan and a review of Circular 2014 outlining the role of a SNA will be advanced before any further decisions are taken.

The priority will be to ensure that the child-centred approach to the provision of special education is retained and enhanced in these policy developments.

After these key documents are agreed and published, the NCSE can commence reviews of supports provided to schools for the 2027/28 academic year which will uphold the integrity of the process, which allocates supports based on the needs of children.

Updates and final details of the SNA Redeployment Scheme, including a comprehensive circular and guidelines, will be published on the NCSE website and the SNA Information Hub on [www.gov.ie] as work progresses.

The department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.