I want to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am aware of this programme.
The Dormant Accounts Funded Transitions programme is a collaboration between my Department and Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK), an experienced NGO working in the area of disability services.
WALK is working with 10 schools – mostly special schools – to deliver their existing Peer Ability programme. The key objective is to ensure that students are supported to make optimal transitions from school. WALK will engage with participants for up to three years after they leave school.
Total funding of €2m has been provided to WALK over 4 years to deliver this support. (€500,000 per year. In 2026 the DAF funding was reduced to €400,000. My Department has agreed to cover the €100,000 shortfall as an exceptional measure to allow WALK to complete the pilot which will finish this year).
Officials from my Department have had a number of discussions with WALK in relation to the programme. My Department recently received a submission to extend and expand the programme over the next 4 years at a cost of €1.75m per year.
This proposal will require cross department support. My officials are currently in the process of organising a meeting with DCDE, DFHERIS, HSE Adult Services and DSP to discuss this proposal.
