Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith, has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Education that significant progress is being made on the establishment of a new redeployment scheme for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs).

Deputy Smith stated, “This is an important and very welcome initiative that will provide greater job security for SNAs, while also ensuring that their experience and skills continue to benefit children with additional needs.

“Our SNAs play a crucial role in supporting students across both mainstream and special education settings. This new scheme will allow SNAs whose positions may no longer be required, due to factors such as demographic changes or shifting enrolments, to be redeployed to schools where there are vacancies.”

The new SNA Redeployment Scheme, to be managed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), represents a significant step forward in strengthening the delivery of support services to children with special educational needs. It is also aligned with the development of the first-ever SNA Workforce Development Plan, due to be published later this year.

Deputy Smith continued, “This scheme not only helps retain skilled and experienced SNAs within the education system, but it also supports schools in responding flexibly to emerging needs. It reinforces the Government’s commitment to inclusive education and ensures that every child who requires SNA support has fair and timely access to it.”

Concluding, Deputy Smith stated, “I will continue to work with my Fianna Fáil colleagues in Government to ensure that our education system is inclusive, responsive, and properly resourced, particularly in supporting children with special educational needs. Initiatives like this SNA Redeployment Scheme are key to achieving that goal.”