*Special bulletin for SNA members Wednesday 15th April 2020*

Fórsa took part in wide ranging discussions on the SNA reassignment proposals yesterday afternoon with representatives from the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Health, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Health Service Executive.

Those discussions progressed well, with all parties committing to delivering a service for SEN students during the school closure period through SNAs supporting their allocated students. SNAs will be asked to provide a remote service supporting those students already in receipt of HSE disability services. This approach enables SNAs to work safely, recognising and safeguarding the position of members who have caring responsibilities in the home or underlying health conditions.

The HSE and the Department of Education and Skills (DES) are to confirm arrangements shortly and Fórsa will review all the the documentation before it's issued to members.

Fórsa has stressed the need for improved communication and this has been acknowledged by the DES and HSE. We will issue a further news-bulletin once we have received the written detail of the reassignment arrangements.

Andy Pike, Fórsa Head of Education

Wednesday 15th April 2020

Fórsa members can contact their branch representative or email the union HERE.