Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
596. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the reason temporary SNAs are not paid for Easter, Christmas or summer holidays, given that they are doing the same work as other SNAs; and whether she will rectify same. [1118/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and advise the following in relation to leave for SNAs on temporary contracts:
If an SNA is on a temporary contract and their contract ends before, for example the Christmas break, they receive statutory holiday pay (1.66 days for every month they work) and if they resume work directly after the break they will get paid retrospectively for that break. If a SNA returns to the same school after the summer break they will get paid for the summer break as set out in Department of Education Circular 0111/2007.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that the SNA Workforce Development Unit within Special Education Division in my Department are currently working on the development of the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan. The plan, which will be developed over the next 2 years, will introduce policy developments which will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service. This will include a review of the SNA Contract of Employment in line with the commitment under the Building Momentum National Pay Agreement.
The plan will include consideration of how best school leaders and SNAs can work together to ensure that both are supported to provide the most effective service to children with significant care needs in our schools. The plan will be developed in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders including school leaders and the SNAs, giving all parties an opportunity to provide input and share views on the future development and direction of the SNA service.
