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.
- 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.
Appendix 1
Special Needs Assistants — Revised Annual Salary Scales
Whole-time equivalent annual salaries effective 1 March 2025 (Circular 0016/2025)
| Scale Point | Annual Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| 1st point (New Entrant) | €30,545 |
| 2nd point | €31,455 |
| 3rd point | €32,523 |
| 4th point | €33,595 |
| 5th point | €34,800 |
| 6th point | €35,874 |
| 7th point | €36,941 |
| 8th point | €38,014 |
| 9th point | €39,093 |
| 10th point | €40,161 |
| 11th point | €41,318 |
| 12th point (Maximum) | €42,475 |
| Long Service Increment (LSI) — after 3 years at maximum | €48,677 |
| * New entrants appointed on or after 1 January 2011 commence at the 1st point. Those appointed before this date may start at a different point in line with their previous service terms. | |
Appendix 2
Casual SNA Hourly Rates
Hourly rates effective 1 March 2025 — includes statutory annual leave supplement
| Status of Substitute SNA | Hourly Rate (€) | Annual Leave Supplement (€/hr) |
|---|---|---|
| SNAs appointed on or before 31 December 2010 | €18.01 | €1.57 |
| SNAs appointed on or after 1 January 2011 | €16.44 | €1.43 |
| * The statutory annual leave supplement is payable in addition to the ongoing hourly rate. These rates apply to casual/substitute SNA engagements only. | ||
Department of Education Circular 0016/2025
Official Government of Ireland document — full salary scales, hourly rates and implementation details.
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.
Online
SNA QQI Level 5 & 6 — Online Course
Study at your own pace from anywhere in Ireland.
→
Classroom
SNA Level 6 — Classroom Course
Face-to-face learning with tutor support.
→
All options
Compare all SNA delivery options
Online, classroom, blended — find what suits you.
→
Before you enrol
What qualifications do I need to become an SNA?
Entry requirements and what the role involves.
→
Not ready to enrol just yet? Download the SNA course brochure and read at your own pace.
📄 Download the SNA course brochure
