Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
528. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the engagement her Department has had with other Government Departments in relation to the greater level of provision of therapies in schools for those with disabilities and autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37147/23]
View answerProvision of therapies for those with disabilities is the responsibility of my colleague Minister Rabbitte’s Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth,
My Department has been engaging with colleagues in DCEDIY in relation to the upcoming publication of The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026; the availability of multidisciplinary therapeutic services for children and young people to support them in accessing education is a critical component of a holistic approach to support this cohort in the education system.
My Department welcomes any initiatives to support increased supply and retention of therapists into the Disability Services and into the education system, and is committed to continuing the close working relationship working with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and other key Government Departments and agencies to support measures to increase supply and retention of these key staff.
Supporting the provision of appropriate education for children with additional needs is a key priority for the Department of Education. In February 2019, the Government approved the trialling of the School Inclusion Model (SIM) for the 2019/20 school year. There are a number of strands to the SIM project, including additional NEPS services and in-school support from therapists. Initially designed as a one year pilot involving up to 75 participating schools in the CHO 7 region, it was interrupted by Covid-19 with the closure of schools and the diversion of HSE therapists from the project to Covid related work. It was then extended to the 2020/21 school year which was also interrupted by Covid. The Pilot recommenced in November 2021 in CHO7. Progress has been made on aspects of the Model but much remains to be done in terms of in-school implementation, evaluation and expansion.
The Department has experienced a number of challenges and barriers to continuing the roll-out of SIM in CH07 and expanding SIM to other areas at this time. The single biggest challenge is the availability of therapists and psychologists. While the Department’s initial intention was to expand SIM to other areas, pressures relating to workforce supply (therapists and psychologists) have resulted in SIM being limited to one CHO area.
My Department will continue to engage with DCEDIY and Department of Health on the provision of therapies for children and young people in our education system.
