Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton TD have recently published the Report on National Survey of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). In preparation of first ever SNA Workforce Development Plan, the Department of Education sought the views of the SNA workforce on matters relevant to their role.

The survey points to a SNA workforce which is well qualified and enjoys high levels of job satisfaction, but which is also stressed by their frontline role. The survey results generally indicate positive relationships between respondents and school staff, including principals, teachers, and other SNAs. However, almost half of the SNAs surveyed report that they do not receive any feedback on their performance.

This year the Department of Education commenced work on the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan (the plan) with a scheduled completion date of September 2025. The data collected in the survey combined with stakeholder input will build insight on the SNA workforce and inform decision making on the SNA Workforce Development Plan.

More information:  

The Report on the National Survey of the Special Needs Assistants 

More information on the SNA Workforce Development Plan

Source: Eurydice Unit Ireland