Dublin — June 3, 2026 — Ministers Hildegarde Naughton and Michael Moynihan have unveiled Ireland’s first-ever Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Workforce Development Plan, a landmark roadmap designed to strengthen and professionalise the SNA workforce.
The plan, developed over two years of extensive consultation with SNAs and their representative bodies, is built around five strategic pillars. It provides a clear framework to enhance professional development, clarify roles, ensure workforce sustainability, and foster stronger collaboration across school communities.
Ireland’s SNA workforce has grown to nearly 25,000 staff across primary, post-primary, and special schools. The plan ensures this vital service can continue to meet the evolving needs of students with additional educational requirements in a consistent and sustainable way.
Minister Naughton described the plan as a milestone for inclusive education: “The 25,000 SNAs working in our schools play an essential role in supporting children and young people with additional educational needs. This plan recognises their importance and sets out a clear vision for the future development of the profession.” She also confirmed that no school will see a reduction in its SNA allocation in the coming year, with future adjustments capped at no more than one SNA per year from 2027.
Minister Moynihan highlighted the impact of SNAs in classrooms and communities: “Families hold them in incredibly high regard, and for good reason. This plan gives SNAs clearer roles, better opportunities to learn, and a more sustainable workforce, all while keeping the focus on helping young people thrive in school.”
Implementation of the plan is expected to deliver improved outcomes for children, enhanced workforce supports, employment stability, and greater consistency across schools nationwide.
