Dublin — 6 December 2025 — Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan has congratulated the 812 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) graduating from the SNA National Training Programme at University College Dublin for the 2024/2025 academic year, marking another milestone in Ireland’s expanding investment in inclusive education.
The fully funded programme — delivered through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) — provides SNAs in primary, post‑primary and special schools with a Level 6 Special Purpose Award under the National Framework of Qualifications. Since its launch in 2021, 3,775 SNAs have now completed the course.
A Milestone for Ireland’s SNA Workforce
Speaking at the ceremony in UCD’s O’Reilly Hall, Minister Moynihan praised graduates for completing the programme while working in schools, describing their achievement as “a testament to their dedication to supporting children and young people with special educational needs.”
He emphasised the central role SNAs play in classrooms nationwide, noting the strong demand for the course reflects the commitment of the workforce to continuous professional development. “SNAs want to be the best they can be for the children and young people they support,” he said.
The programme was designed by UCD in collaboration with the NCSE to strengthen practical skills and deepen understanding of the SNA role across diverse educational settings.
Expanding Training Capacity Through ATU
The Department of Education and Youth confirmed earlier this year that the programme will continue under a €1.9 million contract awarded to Atlantic Technological University (ATU) following a national procurement process. From September 2025, ATU St Angela’s Campus in Sligo will jointly deliver the course through its School of Education and School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies.
The updated programme will offer a 60‑hour blended learning model, combining online modules with interactive components to provide flexible, accredited training for SNAs nationwide.
Strengthening Inclusion Across Irish Schools
The SNA National Training Programme was first recommended in the 2018 Review of the SNA Scheme, which called for a standardised national approach to professional learning. Today’s graduating cohort joins nearly 3,000 SNAs who have already completed the qualification, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to building a skilled, well‑supported workforce capable of meeting the needs of students with additional care requirements.
Minister Moynihan said the continued investment reflects a broader ambition: “This programme equips SNAs with the knowledge and competencies needed to support children and young people to access their education. Their work is vital, and today’s graduates should be immensely proud.”
UCD, Belfield campus, The Conway Institute, Picture on Wikimedia by Feshti
