Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins has welcomed today’s plan to professionalise the role of Special Needs Assistants, but notes that this is long overdue.
Deputy Cummins said:
“The new Workforce Development Plan and revised SNA contract announced today are the culmination of years of essential work by SNAs and intense negotiations by Forsa.
“While today’s plan represents a positive outcome for SNAs, who have worked tirelessly over the last decade regarding respect and appropriate treatment in the workplace, it should not have taken so long to get to this stage.
“The timing of the announcement is also less than ideal; countless SNAs are supporting exam students as the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations begin today.
“On the whole, the Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan is welcome. The professionalisation of these essential workers is long overdue.
“SNAs banded together to reject the tone-deaf move by the Government to cut allocations in 200 schools across the country this September and achieved their goal, highlighting the power of collective action.
“Today’s Plan includes much of what the Save Our SNAs circular asked for, including a new professional qualification and a redeployment scheme.
“Crucially, allocations will not be reduced by more than one post per school when these changes come into effect, protecting our school communities from losing essential staff.
“I am glad that today’s announcement outlines the full extent of the role of an SNA – these workers play an absolutely vital role in providing our children with the education they need and deserve.
“It was imperative that the Department conducted fifty meetings with SNAs, Fórsa and school management bodies to reach the conclusions outlined in today’s plan. Ultimately, the decision now lies with SNAs, who will have the opportunity to get further detail of the new plan at regional meetings and then vote on what is being offered.
“It is crucial that the Government listens to the voices of those in our school communities, including students, parents, teachers, SNAs and staff. Only through genuine consultation can we move forward together in an inclusive and effective manner.
“The work does not stop here, though; we need to see a broader shift in how Ireland talks about education supports, with the language used reflecting a more inclusive approach. We should move away from the term ‘special education’ and toward language that reflects inclusion and belonging within our education system.”
June 3rd, 2026