The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is set to get a major overhaul.
An 18-month review of the programme has called for the establishment of a new "school inclusion model".
This would see in-school access to speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and behaviour supports for students with special needs.
The report, from the National Council for Special Education, seeks the provision of 230 additional experts, including therapists and specialist teachers, in ten regional teams.
Under the new system, it would no longer be necessary for a child to receive a diagnosis of disability in order to access SNA services.
The NCSE says implementing the new model will cost an additional €40m a year.
Currently there are 14,000 SNAs in Ireland, with another 1,000 due to enter the system.
They care for 34,000 students.
Under the new model, they would receive additional training and would be known as Inclusion Support Assistants.
The NCSE says the current SNA scheme works well, but there are gaps which, if addressed, will produce better outcomes for students.
Minister for Education Richard Bruton has welcomed the outcome of the review, and said the Government is committed to implementing the recommendations, although he would not be drawn on a timeline.
"My department will now begin to develop proposals to implement the recommendations of the comprehensive review of the SNA scheme," he said.
It is understood that a pilot scheme could be developed by next year.
The Irish Primary Principals' Network and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals have welcomed the plan.
Both organisations stressed the importance of ring-fencing the funds to pay for the new reforms.
The Fórsa trade union, which represents 8,000 SNAs, gave the report a broad welcome, but said that SNAs should receive greater job security in exchange.
