Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
104. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the process by which the 45 special schools will be selected to take part in the education therapy service which is due to commence in special schools in the 2025-2026 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [69838/25]
View answerIn line with the programme for government commitment, the Education Therapy Service (ETS) has been established as a critical and important support for children and young people in their school environment. The ETS is an additional support for children with special education needs. It is to supplement and not replace existing children’s health and disability services. It is intended to commence initially in specials schools and rollout over time to special classes and mainstream schools.
As mentioned, it is anticipated that the service will commence in 45 special schools at a later stage in the 2025/26 school year.
The selection process to identify schools for inclusion in the initial phase is ongoing and being informed by engagement with our colleagues in the HSE and the National Council of Special Education (NCSE). Factors may include the designation of each special school and current therapy supports available within the special school. It is anticipated that school selection for the initial phase will be complete early in 2026 to ensure that selected schools have the opportunity to engage with the ETS prior to therapist assignment.
Further roll out of the service will occur on a phased basis with a wider roll-out in special schools commencing in the 2026/27 school year. I am conscious where there are 129 special schools that there will be disappointment for those schools not in the initial phase, but it is important to remember this is the start of a new initiative which will see all schools benefit in the coming years.
In the interim schools have access to the NCSE regional therapy support, which provides Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) with follow on/implementation support. These seminars are available nationally for the 2025/2026 school year.
My Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
