Job security boost for special needs assistants in schools under new scheme
24 April 2025
Special needs assistants (SNAs) will be redeployed to vacant posts in other schools if they are no longer required due to factors such as falling enrolments or reduced care needs among pupils under a new scheme.
There are more than 22,000 SNAs in classrooms whose role is to assist teachers by supporting more vulnerable students with significant care needs.
Minister for Education Helen McEntee said the new redeployment scheme, to be operated by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), will allow SNAs stay in the sector and continue to share their skills and experience with vulnerable children.
Published in The Irish Times, 24th April 2025