A Co Monaghan councillor is welcoming the Government's decision to pause the review into allocations.
It follows complaints from schools and parents, reporting a reduction in the number of available posts.
Cllr Conlon says it provides an important opportunity for the Education Minister to engage with schools and other stakeholders.
The Fine Gael representative believes this is a chance to discuss a better way to plan and manage SNA allocations into the future.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Conlon welcomed the news: "An SNA plays a vital role in classrooms and school communities when dealing with children with additional needs. I understand where the review is coming from but it has been paused and starting in September we will have 25,000 SNAs across the country. It's brought a very worrying situation back to normality and I want to thank Minister Hildegarde Naughton."
A statement issued from Minister for Education & Youth, Hildegarde Naughton said: " SNAs play a critical role in our schools - I know how much they mean to school communities, parents and the children they support.
"I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers. I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care.
"To that end, I am pausing the review of SNA allocations. I, the Tanaiste and the Taoiseach are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported. No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks."
