Schools will not lose more than one SNA in any one year – new workforce plan

The Fórsa trade union said that while the new proposals 'fall short' of its objectives in some areas, the result is a package of measures setting 'the role of the SNA firmly on a clear path to a professional future'. Picture: iStock 

Schools will not lose more than one Special Needs Assistant (SNA) annually, and affected staff will be offered another post, under proposals published in the first workforce plan for the profession.

Earlier this year, controversy engulfed the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) after it emerged SNA posts at almost 200 schools were to be cut to provide for need elsewhere in the system.