Definition of "SNA"

Schools will retain their existing allocation of 18,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) for mainstream classes in the coming academic year, while an extra 1,100 posts will be allocated for special classes, special schools and developing schools. […] Mr Pike said education authorities must find a different way of managing SNA allocations to provide certainty and job security.

2022 May 31, Carl O'Brien, “Number of special needs assistants in mainstream classes to be maintained”, in The Irish Times‎

“From day one it was all wrong. They wouldn’t use his PECS book which had been his way to communicate. The Special Needs Assistants (SNA) were holding their hands. But that wasn’t in their assessment of need. They were fully capable of walking around themselves.” […] Gemma said it was especially difficult as the SNA had a close relationship with a member of the board.

2022 September 12, Jennifer Morgan, “An autism class opens. What happens then?”, in Irish Examiner‎