Special Needs Assistant Allocation Arrangements Issued for 2026–27 (Ireland, June 2026)
Ireland issued Circular 0049/2026 setting the 2026–27 arrangements for allocating Special Needs Assistant support in mainstream primary and post-primary classes.
Ireland issued Circular 0049/2026 setting the 2026–27 arrangements for allocating Special Needs Assistant support in mainstream primary and post-primary classes.
What Changed?
The circular establishes the allocation process schools use for SNA support for the next school year.
Old System vs New System
Schools operated under the preceding year's SNA allocation arrangements.
The 2026–27 circular becomes the current allocation instruction for mainstream schools seeking or using SNA support.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Eligible students' access to SNA support is administered under the new school-year allocation arrangements.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents should work through the school and relevant official process where SNA support is required.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must plan and administer SNA provision using the 2026–27 allocation instructions.
Teacher / Staff Impact
SNAs and school staff may be affected by changes in allocation and deployment for the new school year.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-03: Circular 0049/2026 published
- 2026–27 school year: arrangements apply.
What To Do
- Schools should use the circular when reviewing allocation
- deployment and any application or review process.
What To Watch Next
Monitor school-level allocations, review procedures and any later departmental clarification.
Global Context
The circular is relevant to comparison of centrally administered classroom support staffing for students with additional needs.
Source Record
Source type: Circular
Source name: Department of Education and Youth, Ireland