Use of 72 hours by Special Needs Assistants

The Department has requested management bodies to issue the attached letter to member schools on the use of the 72 hours by SNAs, under the provisions of DES circular letter 71/2011.

This letter is a reminder to schools in relation to the optimum usage of the 72 hours that form part of the SNA contract and to clarify the appropriate uses of the contracted 72 hours for standard SNA posts (and part-time SNAs).

It covers the:

• Background to the 72 hours

• Requirement to use 72 hours

• Planning and management of the 72 hours

• Appropriate uses of the 72 hours. Appendix 1 of CL 71/2011 (and attached to this letter) sets out a non-exhaustive list of duties and is useful in this regard.

This letter should be read in conjunction with Department of Education & Skills circular letter 71/2011 which is attached.

Is mise, le mór mheas,

John Irwin, GENERAL SECRETARY.

Addenda:

Letter re the use of the 72 Hours by SNA;s

DES CL 71/2011 Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement - Special Needs Assistants