889. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth to address the matters of a school (details supplied) seeking intervention regarding redeployment protections for SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42914/26]

You may be aware that, on 3 June, along with Minister Hildegarde Naughton, I launched the first ever Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Workforce Development Plan, a milestone in the roadmap for the development of special education.

Built around five strategic pillars, the Plan recognises the vital contribution SNAs make to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and enabling their full participation in school life. It sets out a clear framework to strengthen and support SNAs through enhanced professional development, greater role clarity, workforce sustainability measures and stronger collaboration across school communities.

An SNA Redeployment Scheme operated by the National Council for Education (NCSE) is one of the key outputs under the Plan. The scheme builds on the existing supplementary assignment arrangements (SAA) and is designed to facilitate eligible SNAs in a surplus post in one school to fill SNA vacancies in another. SNAs continue to retain entitlements set out Circular 0058/2006 Redundancy Arrangements for Special Need Assistants.

The SNA Redeployment Scheme facilitates continued employment within the education sector thereby increasing job security for SNAs. The scheme will ensure that experienced SNAs are retained in our schools, maintaining capacity in the workforce and enhancing the service to children and young people with special educational needs.

The NCSE has indicated they are aware of a small number of schools which will close this year and will work to support impacted SNAs. Officials from my Department have shared details on the school named with the NCSE for direct response.

My Department and the NCSE are committed to supporting school communities in pursuit of an education system that is of the highest quality.