Do SNAs get paid during the summer holidays in Ireland?

SNAs on a permanent contract or a Contract of Indefinite Duration (CID) are salaried and paid across the whole year, including July and August. SNAs on a fixed-term contract are paid only up to that contract's end date, so whether you are paid over the summer depends on when your contract ends.

Why are some SNAs not paid over the summer?

Because they are on fixed-term contracts that end before or during the summer. A fixed-term SNA is paid up to the end date on the contract; if it ends in June, pay generally stops then unless the person is re-employed for the next school year. Many fixed-term contracts do run to late August, so check your own end date.

What is July Provision for SNAs?

July Provision, now part of the Summer Programme, is a separate scheme providing eligible children with additional support over the summer. SNAs and teachers can opt in to work on it and are paid separately for that work. It is optional additional paid work, not an automatic summer payment.

Are SNAs paid for the Summer Programme?

Yes, SNAs who opt in to work on the Summer Programme are paid for the hours they work, usually after the programme, under the rates set by the Department of Education for that year. It is in addition to any salary you receive under your ordinary contract.

How is SNA pay structured in Ireland?

SNAs are paid on a national incremental salary scale and move up a point each year with service. Permanent and CID SNAs receive this salary spread across the full year. See our SNA pay scale guide for the current points and a take-home estimate.

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Do SNAs Get Paid Over the Summer in Ireland? (2026) July Provision Explained

Last verified 9 Nov 2026· Published 9 Nov 2026

By the Job Vacancies Ireland editorial team · How we verify our guides

Quick answer: It depends on your contract. Special Needs Assistants on a permanent contract or a Contract of Indefinite Duration (CID) are salaried and paid right across the year, including July and August – your annual salary is spread over the full year, so pay continues through the summer holidays. SNAs on a fixed-term contract are paid only up to that contract’s end date; if it ends in the summer you are generally not paid beyond it unless re-employed. July Provision (the Summer Programme) is separate, optional, additional paid work.

“Do I get paid over the summer?” is the question nearly every SNA asks, and the answer comes down to one thing: what kind of contract you are on. Here is how it works.

If you have a CID or permanent contract

You are a salaried employee paid on an annual salary that is divided into regular (usually fortnightly) payments across the whole year. You do not stop being paid during the school holidays – the summer is simply part of the salaried year. Pay continues in July and August as normal.

If you are on a fixed-term contract

A fixed-term SNA is paid up to the end date on the contract. Many SNA fixed-term contracts are written to run to late August so pay continues over the summer, but some end earlier – so the single most important thing is to check the end date on your own contract. If it ends in June you are generally not paid beyond that date unless you are re-employed for the next school year.

What is July Provision / the Summer Programme?

July Provision – now part of the Summer Programme – is a separate scheme under which eligible children receive additional support during the summer, and SNAs (and teachers) can opt in to work and be paid for it. It is extra, optional paid work on top of your contract, not an automatic summer payment. Pay for it is made separately, usually after the work is done.

How SNA pay is structured

SNAs are paid on a national incremental salary scale: you move up a point each year with service. For the current points and what they mean in take-home terms, see our SNA pay scale guide and work out your net pay with the take-home pay calculator.

What to check

Your contract type and end date – CID/permanent (paid through summer) vs fixed-term (paid to the end date).
Whether you have been re-appointed for the next school year, if you are fixed-term.
Whether you want to opt in to the Summer Programme for additional paid work.

If any of this is unclear, your school and your union can confirm your position. Official detail is on gov.ie (Department of Education) and Fórsa.

This is general guidance. SNA contracts and summer-pay arrangements vary, and Summer Programme terms are set each year – always check your own contract and the current Department of Education circular.

Frequently asked questions

Do SNAs get paid during the summer holidays in Ireland?: SNAs on a permanent contract or a Contract of Indefinite Duration (CID) are salaried and paid across the whole year, including July and August. SNAs on a fixed-term contract are paid only up to that contract's end date, so whether you are paid over the summer depends on when your contract ends.
Why are some SNAs not paid over the summer?: Because they are on fixed-term contracts that end before or during the summer. A fixed-term SNA is paid up to the end date on the contract; if it ends in June, pay generally stops then unless the person is re-employed for the next school year. Many fixed-term contracts do run to late August, so check your own end date.
What is July Provision for SNAs?: July Provision, now part of the Summer Programme, is a separate scheme providing eligible children with additional support over the summer. SNAs and teachers can opt in to work on it and are paid separately for that work. It is optional additional paid work, not an automatic summer payment.
Are SNAs paid for the Summer Programme?: Yes, SNAs who opt in to work on the Summer Programme are paid for the hours they work, usually after the programme, under the rates set by the Department of Education for that year. It is in addition to any salary you receive under your ordinary contract.
How is SNA pay structured in Ireland?: SNAs are paid on a national incremental salary scale and move up a point each year with service. Permanent and CID SNAs receive this salary spread across the full year. See our SNA pay scale guide for the current points and a take-home estimate.

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