The Department of Education has issued Circular Letter 0016/2025, announcing a revision of salaries for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) effective from March 1, 2025. This adjustment is in line with the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026.
Key Details of the Salary Revision:
Increase in Basic Scale Salaries: As per Section 3.1 of the Public Service Agreement, whole-time annual basic scale salaries for SNAs will be increased by 2% or €1,000, whichever is greater, effective from March 1, 2025.
Updated Salary Scales: The revised salary scales are detailed in Appendix 1 of the circular. For instance, new entrants will start at €30,545, progressing through increments to a maximum of €42,475, with a long-service increment of €48,677 after three years of satisfactory service at the maximum point.
Casual Hourly Rates: Appendix 2 outlines the updated hourly casual rates for SNAs. For example, SNAs appointed on or before December 31, 2010, will have an ongoing rate of €18.01 per hour, with an additional €1.57 per hour for statutory annual leave.
Pension Adjustments:
Pre-existing Public Service Pension Schemes: Pensions in payment from March 1, 2025, for members of pre-existing public service pension schemes will be adjusted in line with the revisions of basic pay. Government of Ireland
Single Public Service Pension Scheme: Pensions under the Single Scheme will be updated in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as directed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform.
Implementation and Queries:
Managerial authorities are requested to circulate copies of this circular to all SNAs, including those on leave of absence. The full text of Circular 0016/2025, along with detailed salary scales and hourly rates, is available on the Department of Education’s website.
For further inquiries, SNAs can contact the Department of Education at ESR@education.gov.ie. Individual payroll queries should be directed through the designated channels as specified in the circular. Government of Ireland
