John Clendennen
Ceist:253. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the recruitment campaign for the education therapy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27641/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 15 April 2026
Ceisteanna (253)
Freagraí scríofa
As you are aware on 6th February 2026, the Department of Education and Youth announced the phased rollout of the new Education Therapy Service (ETS), delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). It is important to highlight that this is the initial phase of the ETS rollout providing supports in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
The NCSE has recently completed a recruitment campaign for Senior and Staff Grade Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, with interviews completed and panels formed. The NCSE are currently offering posts to successful candidates. The continued rollout of the ETS will be supported by phased recruitment campaigns throughout 2026 to ensure therapy needs across the school system are met, including a recruitment campaign in Donegal, Kerry, Cavan and Waterford by the end of June 2026. A rolling national campaign will continue later in 2026.
In line with the rollout and development of the ETS, we will continue to engage with the HSE on the ETS model of service, to ensure a safe service provision of schools supports between HSE and NCSE services, as NCSE therapists are assigned to schools.
It is envisioned that further phases will be rollout in the 2026/2027 school year to ensure therapy needs across the school system are met.
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.