Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Saturday) welcomed a recommendation from the Labour Court that a redeployment system should be introduced for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) who find themselves out of work.
The Labour Court has recommended that a panel should be set up for SNAs who are made redundant, and those on the panel would then be given first offering of any vacancies that arise. At present, SNAs are not included in the Croke Park Agreement and therefore cannot avail of the redeployment options open to other public servants.
“As a former school principal I understand the plight faced by SNAs who are made redundant, and who can find it very difficult to secure new work. I warmly welcome the recommendations from the Labour Court for a panel to be set up for recently unemployed SNAs, which should make finding a new job much easier.
“SNAs provide an invaluable support in schools across the country, which is hugely important to parents and their children who benefit from the care provided. Many SNAs have invested heavily to get their qualifications, but can find themselves out of work when the pupils they care for move on. This proposed change would greatly enhance the job security of SNAs; something that is lacking at present.
“It’s important to add that the Government is committed to retaining SNA numbers this year, despite our difficult economic circumstances. We understand and value their contribution to our educational system.
“The exact details of the scheme now need to be worked out between the Department of Education and Skills, the trade unions involved and the management bodies. I hope they can come to a satisfactory conclusion in time for the new school year in September.