Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
492. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education her plans to introduce a panel or central database of substitute SNAs which schools can avail of to replace SNAs that are off work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21227/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in Circulars 15/05 and 12/05 Appendix 1. Special Needs Assistants are recruited specifically to assist schools in providing the necessary non–teaching services to pupils with assessed educational needs.
All standard SNA vacancies and cover SNA vacancies of 24 weeks or more must be advertised. If the vacancy is less than 24 weeks then there is no requirement for the school to advertises and they can appoint a replacement if warranted and subject to the current minimum educational requirements for appointment as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) as set out in Department's circular 36/2020 and 51/2019 and in compliance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 in accordance to the relevant Department’s circulars in relation to Garda vetting.
When advertising for vacancies the school can create an internal panel of suitable applicants from which future vacancies including cover SNA vacancies may be filled valid for the duration of the school year. There are no plans to introduce a panel or central database of substitute SNAs to replace SNAs that are off work.
