Fórsa trade union has welcomed today’s publication of a new Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Workforce Development Plan and revised SNA contract, following two years of intensive negotiations. Cabinet is expected to approve the plan this morning.
The union will now begin a nationwide consultation with members ahead of a ballot on whether to accept or reject the proposals.
The package includes a range of changes to the role and working conditions of SNAs, including:
- The replacement of the current 72 additional hours with dedicated time for training and professional development
- A new national framework setting out the role of the SNA
- Improved arrangements for June working in post-primary schools
- A redeployment scheme to support staff affected by changes in school allocations
- The introduction of a minimum Level 6 qualification for the role.
The agreement also provides new protections for SNA posts. Under the revised arrangements, no more than one post can be declared surplus in any school, and affected staff will be offered redeployment opportunities.
Negotiations on the plan involved more than 50 in-person meetings between Fórsa, the Department of Education and school management bodies. The resulting document, running to over 140 pages, represents the most comprehensive review of the SNA role to date, drawing on research and engagement with SNAs, teachers and school leaders.
Fórsa said that while the proposals fall short of its objectives in some areas, the result is a package of measures which sets the role of the SNA firmly on a clear path to a professional future.
Fórsa head of education Andy Pike said the agreement marked a step towards greater recognition of the role played by SNAs in supporting students with additional needs: “The negotiations were long and detailed, but they have delivered a firmer, more professional footing for SNAs. In particular, the removal of the often misused 72-hour requirement and its replacement with structured training time is an important step forward.
“The new framework also ensures that SNAs will have a recognised role in student planning and support, reflecting the reality of the work they already do every day in schools.
“These changes will improve stability for SNAs and strengthen support for students with additional needs. We will now begin a full consultation with members before holding a ballot on the proposals,” he said.
The first of a series of local information meetings for SNAs will take place starting tomorrow (Thursday 4th June) in Tralee, Co Kerry.
Below is a list of in-person meetings. Online meetings will be announced soon.
| Month | Date | Branch | County | Location | Start Time |
| June | 4th June | Munster | Kerry | Manor West Hotel | 7.30pm |
| June | 8th June | CUSNA | Galway | Forsa Office | 6.30pm |
| June | 8th June | SDSL | Dublin | Dub. W. Ed Centre | 6.30pm |
| June | 8th June | NDNL | Dundalk | Gateway Hotel | 6.30pm |
| June | 9th June | Munster | Clare | West County Hotel | 7.30pm |
| June | 10th June | Munster | Limerick | Castletroy Park Hotel | 7.30pm |
| June | 10th June | NDNL | Dublin | Nerney’s Court | 6.30pm |
| June | 11th June | CUSNA | Mayo | Ellison Hotel, Castlebar | 6.30pm |
| June | 11th June | Munster | Waterford | Waterford Teachers Centre | 7.30pm |
| June | 11th June | SDSL | Laois | Portlaoise Education Centre | 7.30pm |
| June | 11th June | NDNL | Longford | Longford Arms Hotel | 6.50pm |
| June | 15th June | Munster | Cork | Silversprings Hotel | 7.30pm |
| June | 15th June | SDSL | Carlow | TBC | 7.30pm |
| June | 16th June | CUSNA | Donegal | Mount Errigal Hotel | 6.30pm |
| June | 16th June | Munster | Tipperary | Anner Hotel | 7.30pm |
| June | 16th June | SDSL | Wexford | Wexford Trade Union Centre | 7.30pm |
| June | 17th June | CUSNA | Cavan | Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan | 6.30pm |
| June | 17th June | NDNL | Meath | Pilo Hotel | 6.30pm |
| June | 18th June | NDNL | Kildare | Newbridge/TBC | 6.30pm |
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