Menu
17/10/2017
SNA's Need 'Timely And Proper Assurances' On Job Security
Special Needs Assistants need "timely and proper assurances" surrounding job security from the government, it has been said.
Labour Party Education spokesperson Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin made the call following the result of a nationwide ballot, in which some 8,000 IMPACT members voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action following delays to SNA allocation.
Senator Ó Ríordáin said: "Earlier this year the Minister for Education wrongly delayed announcing the allocation of Special Needs Assistants to schools, leaving SNAs, school management and children and their families in limbo.
"This delay tactic deployed by the Minister means that teachers and parents can't plan their school year adequately. It also impacts on the life of the SNA, who is kept in the dark as to whether they have a job or not for the following academic year.
"The 2016 Oireachtas Education Committee Report on the Role of the SNA recommended that SNA allocations need to be made earlier in the year. In line with this report, the Minister should seek to ensure that these allocations are made in March or April.
"SNAs should be entitled to decency and certainty in their workplace. As a former teacher and principal, I know the value of quality education in helping our special needs children fulfil their potential, we must treat those who educate our children with the respect that they deserve."
(MH/JP)
Labour Party Education spokesperson Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin made the call following the result of a nationwide ballot, in which some 8,000 IMPACT members voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action following delays to SNA allocation.
Senator Ó Ríordáin said: "Earlier this year the Minister for Education wrongly delayed announcing the allocation of Special Needs Assistants to schools, leaving SNAs, school management and children and their families in limbo.
"This delay tactic deployed by the Minister means that teachers and parents can't plan their school year adequately. It also impacts on the life of the SNA, who is kept in the dark as to whether they have a job or not for the following academic year.
"The 2016 Oireachtas Education Committee Report on the Role of the SNA recommended that SNA allocations need to be made earlier in the year. In line with this report, the Minister should seek to ensure that these allocations are made in March or April.
"SNAs should be entitled to decency and certainty in their workplace. As a former teacher and principal, I know the value of quality education in helping our special needs children fulfil their potential, we must treat those who educate our children with the respect that they deserve."
(MH/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 September 2015
Call For More SNA's In Co Kildare Schools
The Minister for Education is being urged to allocate more Special Needs Assistants (SNA's) to fill vacant posts in schools in County Kildare. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Kildare North Councillor Frank O'Rourke held a meeting with a number of concerned parents in North Kildare.
Call For More SNA's In Co Kildare Schools
The Minister for Education is being urged to allocate more Special Needs Assistants (SNA's) to fill vacant posts in schools in County Kildare. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Kildare North Councillor Frank O'Rourke held a meeting with a number of concerned parents in North Kildare.
08 July 2015
More Than 600 New Special Needs Assistants Approved
An additional 610 Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts have been approved by the government. The new allocation, due to begin in September, a significant increase in assessed need, Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, said. "Every child with an assessed care need will receive access to SNA support.
More Than 600 New Special Needs Assistants Approved
An additional 610 Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts have been approved by the government. The new allocation, due to begin in September, a significant increase in assessed need, Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, said. "Every child with an assessed care need will receive access to SNA support.
05 August 2016
Many Students With Disabilities Denied SNA Support For Second Year
Concerns have been raised after many students with complex needs have been denied the support of an SNA for a second year. Fianna Fáil has written to he Education Minister calling for support for children with disabilities to enter into a 2nd ECCE preschool year. Fianna Fail Darragh O'Brien TD described the situation as "appalling".
Many Students With Disabilities Denied SNA Support For Second Year
Concerns have been raised after many students with complex needs have been denied the support of an SNA for a second year. Fianna Fáil has written to he Education Minister calling for support for children with disabilities to enter into a 2nd ECCE preschool year. Fianna Fail Darragh O'Brien TD described the situation as "appalling".
19 September 2014
Govt Accused Of Using JobBridge To Exploit Teachers
The government has been accused of exploiting teachers and Special Needs Assistants by allowing them to be recruited through the JobBridge scheme. Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Education & Skills Charlie McConalogue said that he is "outraged" that the Department of Education is using the scheme to recruit teachers.
Govt Accused Of Using JobBridge To Exploit Teachers
The government has been accused of exploiting teachers and Special Needs Assistants by allowing them to be recruited through the JobBridge scheme. Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Education & Skills Charlie McConalogue said that he is "outraged" that the Department of Education is using the scheme to recruit teachers.
16 June 2015
HSE Reverse SNA Preschool Cuts
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reversed its decision to reduce the provision of SNA services in preschools. The HSE had previously announced that the provision was to be cut completely. However, following an outcry, they decided that the service would not be stopped but reduced by 25%.
HSE Reverse SNA Preschool Cuts
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reversed its decision to reduce the provision of SNA services in preschools. The HSE had previously announced that the provision was to be cut completely. However, following an outcry, they decided that the service would not be stopped but reduced by 25%.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains mainly dry overnight with a touch of frost or fog patches possible in places. However, cloud is expected to increase towards dawn with the odd light shower. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
