Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:232. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53809/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 October 2025
Ceisteanna (232, 233)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:233. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth f she will consider the matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53790/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.
I want to thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
The National Strategic Framework for Lifelong Guidance and Strategic Action Plan (2024-2030) were published in December 2023. Four pillars underpin the vision for lifelong guidance in Ireland. One of these pillars is that of ''Access, Inclusion and Universal Design.''
Within the Action Plan, a number of actions outline specific directions that will be followed to ensure guidance is accessible, inclusive and universally designed. One example of this is action 2.6: ''ensure provision of guidance supports to students in special schools is delivered by appropriately trained professionals.''
My Department is leading on the implementation of a number of actions supporting transitions and progression in education from early childhood through to further education and training and higher education.
My Department for example is currently supporting 2 Pilot Programmes in this area, both subject to external evaluation, which will provide valuable information in relation to policy formulation on Transitions.
The CES Transitions pilot programme established and funded directly by the Department in 2022 is currently running in 41 special schools. The pilot programme has been extended for the 2025/26 school year. The overarching objective of the programme is to support students with complex educational needs to transition to the post-school option which suits them best; including further or higher education options, workplace settings or adult disability services.
The second pilot programme – the DAF 22 Transitions programme is a collaboration between the Department and Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK), an experienced NGO working in the area of disability services. The key objective is similar to CES - ensure that students are supported to make optimal transitions from school.
WALK is currently engaging with and delivering their existing Peer Ability programme in 11 schools based in Louth, Dublin, Westmeath, Cavan, and Cork.
The programme is funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund. An application under the DAF 26 has been submitted to continue this pilot in 2026. The outcome of this application is expected shortly.
Question No. 233 answered with Question No. 232.