Michael Moynihan
Cork North-West · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I cannot emphasise enough the respect that the Minister, Deputy Naughton, and I have for special needs assistants and the contribution they make to education. In March, we met the SNAs to have further engagement and consultation with them and to understand their roles.”
“We are very conscious of the issue. A huge number of groups that I have met over the past while, particularly on the dyslexia side, have all been discussing assistive technologies. That is also the case for children who are non-communicative and non-verbal. Assistive technologies are extremely important for them.”
“By way of background, 85% of the applications processed for assistive technology between January and June have been approved. We are always conscious of those who fall outside the scheme.”
“The approximate cost to the State per mainstream pupil is currently €1,400 annually, while the cost to the family is €100 per pupil. The total cost of the school transport system in 2025 was €537 million, equating to almost €3 million being spent on the provision of school transport per day.”
“I thank the Deputy. We are looking at ways to ensure that if there is a ticket issued, it will be used. Anecdotally, the Deputy and other colleagues tell us about school routes the length and breadth of the country that have spare capacity but, when we look at the system, all of the tickets on that particular school route are occupied and…”
“Under the current scheme, schools receive funding towards computers and specialised equipment required for educational purposes. To qualify, a student must have a diagnosis of a physical or commutative disability and a professional assessment confirming the equipment is essential to access the curriculum.”
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“We often talk about delays and legal issues but we have to try to cut through this. I have seen for myself the situation and I will certainly do what we can in the Department to move the project on.”
“With the best will in the world, there are a number of stages to go through, including planning and design. I know that Deputy McGrath will work with the local authority to ensure it passes through this stage. The local authority is very open to it and it understands it. The site has been earmarked. Without going through all of the detail, the brief is for 16 classrooms, as Deputy McGrath is well aware. This is about the amalgamation of both schools. Deputy McGrath indicated that there were about 200 pupils in one school and 60 in the other. This is very important for education, not alone now, but in future. If I could get sight of the transfer documents, I could then take them to the planning and building unit and we could ensure that a speedy response is given as fast as possible.”
“When the transfer is made to the diocesan trust, we can make the decisions; we will have the site and we can move on to the next level. Both schools are in separate buildings and Deputy McGrath understands all of this quite well. What we need to do today is make sure that we have the pieces together to move it on. I saw the condition of the school in Shanbally. Something needs to be done in the Department. We have project managers and others in place for this project. From what I have heard from Deputy McGrath today, the transfer of the site is progressing through various stages. If there is further documentation or information that Deputy McGrath can bring to the table, I would appreciate it in terms of the timeline, as we could then put it on the table and say that the site was moving forward. We could then move to the next stage.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath for his question. I visited the school in Shanbally and saw the condition of it. I saw the excellent work being done by the school community - the teachers, the SNAs and everybody involved - and the commitment those people have to education. Both schools are co-education primary schools catering for boys and girls from junior to sixth class. Both schools have agreed to amalgamate, with a new school building to be constructed. The new school is expected to be located on a six-acre site that is privately owned. If I understand it correctly, this will be transferred to the council and then to the diocesan trust. This is a very important element and I will certainly relay the comments of Deputy McGrath back to the planning and building unit. A lot of the time, technical transfers are slow and cumbersome.”
“As well as that, we want to make sure that the summer programme is a hugely important and embedded piece in special education and disadvantaged education now and into the future. We must be open to an evaluation of it and to how we are going to roll it out over the coming years to make sure that we are targeting the resources to the people who need them most. There are a number of points ongoing in that regard. While we engaged with the school communities and the stakeholders on the scheme, which we said would be open – there was no question but that it would be running this year – we need to make sure that we start earlier. Schools and school communities are working extremely hard right up to the year end. We need to reflect very carefully on that. I will give due reflection to the piece about the hours.”
“I will take the points back in relation to the Gaelscoil. Some 1,800 schools and 71,000 children are participating in the scheme this year. Going back five years, there were 545 schools with 23,000 children. We have seen a 210% increase in participation. That gives a sense of the Government's commitment to the scheme. There are issues in regard to the special classes, schools in disadvantaged areas and special schools. The teams that work in special schools are superhuman beings because they work with the most vulnerable children, who sometimes have a very high dependency. They work extremely hard. I have had lengthy engagements with the special school community in recent weeks. We met the principals of all the schools who spoke about the challenges they had within their schools and communities. We will reflect on those points.”
“We had engagement between the Department and the stakeholders right through the year to say that the programme would be forthcoming but we need to make sure that there is a timeline for the schools because school communities are working extremely hard, in particular when it comes to the year end. Many school communities refer to it as "mad May". I take that point, which was made very clearly. If it is okay with the Deputy, I might come back to a number of the points he raised about special schools and so forth in the closing remarks.”
“I understand that a lot of those requests have been met at this stage in terms of giving the resources. In response to the points the Deputy makes, I understand the value of the summer programme. It is a hugely valued piece. It is vital that this valued resource be targeted at children with additional needs and those who are in disadvantage. While we have expanded the numbers quite considerably in recent years, we must ensure that we are targeting those who are most in need. I agree that we need to have the programme opened earlier and for a longer period.”
“This ensured that the schools understood that it would be forthcoming and that they could start their preparation. As a result, and as the Deputy said, the online portal was open for ten days. Following feedback from schools in particular in relation to that, the portal was opened again to allow more schools to apply and get on board with the summer programme. We have more school-based schemes this year than in 2025. That is hugely welcome and means that more primary, post-primary and special schools are engaging in the summer programme. The applications for home-based programmes also significantly increased on last year. A number of schools, including one cited by the Deputy, went back to the Department looking for extra staffing and resources.”
“Parents, staff and children themselves report improvement in confidence, attitude and readiness to return to school in September. The continued emphasis on the summer programme is to mitigate against the impact of learning loss on those children while schools are closed. An increase in the educational needs prevalence rate, particularly in autism, and the presentation of children with more complex needs has meant that the summer programme is now more important than ever. The details of the summer programme were communicated to stakeholders, including the schools, in May of this year. While acknowledging that the details of the programme are technically announced earlier, the Department has continually kept in touch with the educational stakeholders querying when the programme might be announced.”
“I thank the Deputy very much for raising the summer programme. I will set out the details of the scheme in the first instance and then I will respond to the specific points raised. The summer programme is hugely valued across the Government and by families and school communities. It is a vital and targeted intervention for the education of children with special educational needs and those affected by educational disadvantage. It is delivered during the summer months to ensure that children with additional needs or who are disadvantaged have continuity. There is an emphasis on different things in each of the schools. Since 2021, the Department of Education and Youth's inspectorate has evaluated the summer programme and the findings consistently highlight the positive impact on many children and young people who have taken part.”
“We are constantly looking at where patterns and initiatives have developed in communities. The Deputy is right that this goes way back, beyond the 25 years since 2002. It was to capture a particular cohort of students. We continue to invest in the DEIS programme and to monitor it. This programme has been operating in the school for quite some time. We continue to monitor it and engage with the school and the outcomes. We have to be mindful of the investment going into the education system and the most important measure of that is to make sure children have positive outcomes when they go from primary school to post-primary school and on to adulthood. We have to constantly evaluate that to see whether we are targeting the right resources at the right communities, and to make the best possible choices for children into the future.”
“There has been a huge amount of investment at Department of education level in terms of disadvantage, including in DEIS and so on. We are not blind to the fact that there are massive challenges in some communities with disadvantage. We are applying the resources to make sure we give every child the best possible chance in disadvantaged areas and across the education system. In parallel, the early childcare scheme has been hugely funded. The funding that has gone into it in the past quarter of a century to bring it up to standard has been quite amazing. There are two pieces. One is the early childcare scheme to make sure we are giving two years - it is not long ago that it was just one year - and to make sure children are as prepared as possible to go into primary school.”
“When it has been in operation - if my maths are correct, it is going into its 25th year this year and it has a long-established tradition - generations of students have benefited from that year. However, we have to evaluate it because we continue to invest in trying to upskill all school communities. The school community there has done amazing work and has taken advantage of the extra year to make sure the students coming from disadvantaged areas benefit fully from it, as the Deputy articulated. Our commitment is for this year, 2026-27, and we will engage early with the school authorities again. I will take the valid points the Deputy made strongly on board as we prepare to engage with the school authorities early in the next school year.”
“Sanction was given for this year and, as it is one of the only ones operational in the country, we continue to engage with and monitor it. A lot of investment and funding has gone into the education system and we continue to do that in urban and rural Ireland. The commitment I can give the Deputy today is that there will be early engagement with the school authorities in the next school year because we understand the value of it. It has been articulated in various documentation through the Department and extremely capably by the school authorities. As the Deputy mentioned, it targets a particular cohort in a challenged community and has been a great enabler for it. We have sanction for 2026-27 and we are serious about engaging early in the school year in the forward planning for it.”
“The Department will continue to engage with the school early in the 2026-27 school year with regard to the reception class. The early childhood care and education programme is a Government-funded, universal preschool programme designed to give children their first formal experience of early learning before primary school. It is funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. To cut to the chase, back in 2002, this class was sanctioned and it has been operational within St. Joseph's Co-Educational Primary School for quite some time. I have no doubt what Deputy Sherlock has articulated this morning are the facts. It has been a huge enabler for children prior to going into primary school and has given them certainty in it.”
“I thank Deputy Sherlock very much for raising this matter. As she rightly said, a reception class has been in operation in St. Joseph's Co-Educational Primary School, East Wall, since 2002. This class operates as a preparatory infant year for four-year-olds. The reception class was one of a small number that operated prior to the establishment of the early childhood care and education, ECCE, scheme, to provide pre-junior infants education in certain communities. With the wide expansion of the ECCE scheme, this is now the only reception class that operates in the country. The Department has engaged with the school in respect of its teaching allocation for 2026-27 and has sanctioned a teaching post for the reception class for 2026-27.”
“It is important because we see some great standards and excellent people who have qualified. There are some anomalies in the system as well. I will ask them to liaise directly with the Senator or his constituent. Also, a point of contact would be important for anybody making an application. It is not possible to state whether a qualification will, of itself, meet the requirements. That is important to stress. I will endeavour to ask them to liaise directly with the Senator.”
“I can pass the information on and ask that it be dealt with in a timely manner but the overriding concern is to ensure the Teaching Council is independent of the political system and Department, because it is making sure all is in order and that, at post-primary and all levels, the best qualified teachers are in schools. The Senator mentioned an application made in May 2025. That is 13 months ago at this stage. I will try to ask if perhaps we could get the Teaching Council to directly liaise with the Senator. It would be inappropriate for it to be liaising with me. Maybe it will clarify that question and also provide a point of contact. Many teachers in primary, post-primary and special schools - and indeed special classes - have qualifications from outside the Republic of Ireland and meet the criteria.”
“We have to ensure the Teaching Council is an independent regulatory body and that it carries out its independent registration function. Neither I nor any Department has a role in that because it has to be very much independent. By being so independent, its authority and status is upheld. The Department has advised me the average processing time for registration of qualifications gained outside the Republic of Ireland is seven weeks from receipt of completed applications. Directive 2005/36/EC says it must be done within 12 weeks. The Senator made a number of points regarding the point of contact. That is something I will take back. I will give that information back to the Teaching Council.”
“The Teaching Council of Ireland has confirmed to my Department that, in the last 18 months, the majority of applicants who had completed a graduate diploma in physical education accredited by Liverpool John Moore’s University were not successful in demonstrating that the qualification met the Teaching Council's curricular subject requirements for physical education. Applications from outside the State are assessed on a holistic basis, taking account of all relevant qualifications held by the applicant and their professional experience. On that basis, it is not possible to state whether a qualification will meet the requirements for registration prior to the full assessment being completed. I may comment on a few more of the points the Senator raises in my closing remarks.”
“In the case of those seeking registration as post-primary teachers in the subject of physical education, this could include, for example, diplomas or certificates in areas that are relevant to the subject being assessed and which may contribute to the overall assessment outcome. As such, applicants who have completed the same teacher education qualification may not necessarily receive the same outcome, as the holistic assessment process considers all relevant qualifications and their professional experience. This is carried out in the interests of supporting applicants to ensure that all demonstrable knowledge, skill and competence is considered.”
“The qualifications of teachers who qualified outside the State are processed in line with the EU directive and assessed to ensure they are of a comparable standard to those achieved by graduates of accredited initial teacher education programmes in the Republic of Ireland. A person deemed to be a fully qualified teacher has completed a recognised teacher education qualification and programme of induction. A person must provide an official letter, confirming they are a fully qualified teacher, from the relevant teacher registration body or competent authority in the country of qualification. Post-primary teachers must also meet the post-primary curricular subject requirements for at least one approved curricular subject.”
“One of the ways the council guarantees and regulates standards is by ensuring that all teachers entering the profession in the Republic of Ireland have met the required standards. Ireland, like the majority of regulating countries assesses qualifications awarded outside the State for alignment with the standards which apply in the State. This is a core principle of the EU Directive 2005/36/EU on the recognition of professional qualifications. The Teaching Council receives approximately 680 eligible applications annually from teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this matter. The Teaching Council is the independent regulatory body of the teaching profession in Ireland. It was established under the Teaching Council Act 2001, as amended. The council's role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. This is carried out through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct. As a statutory professional standards body, the Teaching Council is required by law to properly determine and authenticate the relevant standards and qualifications of all applicants for registration.”
“It is a real concern for the Government and there is real engagement on the issue at Government level. The Senator made her points about Drogheda well and I encourage her to keep up the good work on it. I will relay the points she has made to the Department. I know the Minister of State and Minister have been engaging with her and I will ensure they engage further.”
“I ask the Senator to keep up the excellent work. Her passion and commitment to her community come across in spades. I understand a wise person once said that if you have pride in your community, you have pride in your nation and your world. It is a great attribute to have. Well done. The Senator has made her point and has engaged with the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and the Minister, Deputy McEntee. We have serious commitment to the east coast in the programme for Government. In the immediate term and short term, we are looking at what we can do with the leases signed for Dún Laoghaire. As regards long-term planning, a huge amount of investment and study is taking place on the Defence Forces and our security, and how we will see that into the future.”
“The issue of additional naval bases, on the east coast or elsewhere, will be considered in the context of that awaited plan and recommendations arising from same. I note that as a measure of the Government's commitment to investing in the Naval Service, to date infrastructure projects to a value of over €20 million have been completed for the Naval Service, with a further €17 million worth of projects at either procurement, design or construction.”
“With this in mind, the Department has recently signed a licence with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the owner of the harbour in Dún Laoghaire, regarding exclusive use of the berth by the Naval Service. Relevant works on the site will commence shortly to support Naval Service operations. The operations of this temporary facility will provide an opportunity to develop proof of concept for any future east coast base and will help identify precise requirements for such a base. Additionally, a Naval Service regeneration plan is due to be submitted shortly for the consideration of the Minister for Defence. The regeneration plan has been devised on foot of detailed workshops held between senior military officers, led by the Chief of Staff, and senior officials in the Department of Defence.”
“The action plan sets out a timeline of 2030 for a decision relating to the east coast forward operational base concept. Work will commence on developing options in the near future. In particular, the issue of the east coast base has been discussed in the context of the inshore patrol vessels, IPVs, LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait . These IPVs were acquired with a particular focus on east coast operations. They are well-suited to key missions like the protection of critical infrastructure, with the LÉ Aoibhinn becoming operational in 2024. The Tánaiste then gave approval to leasing the berth in Dún Laoghaire to support east coast operations in the short term, for a period of up to five years.”
“Such a base would support the operations of the Naval Service and also raise the profile of the service along the eastern seaboard, with a potential beneficial impact on recruitment. In addition, the Minister for Defence recently published Ireland's first national maritime security strategy. The strategy focuses on risks and threats to Ireland's national security and defence through a new whole-of-government approach. It has an accompanying action plan to ensure delivery of this new whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain. As part of this action plan, options will be explored to expand the State's existing naval infrastructure, including exploring the potential for a forward operating base on the east coast.”
“I compliment Senator Comyn on the passion and commitment she showed to Drogheda and its environs. She was clearly not reading from a script but speaking from the heart. She gave a strong defence of the strengths of Drogheda and how the town can play a pivotal part in Ireland's security in the future. Well done on that. It is great to see the Senator show such passion and commitment to her community. I am responding on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Helen McEntee, who unfortunately cannot be here. She has asked me to convey her apologies to the Senator and the House. I thank the Senator for raising the issue. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces calls for the development of an east coast base for the Naval Service. Reflecting this, the programme for Government has also recognised the need for an east coast base.”
“I thank the Senator. As he will know quite well, I am very familiar with County Clare. We have had the benefit of holidaying in County Clare for many years. What a beautiful part of the world. I also know the distance from west Clare and north Clare to Limerick and to Ennis, so I know the distance people are travelling. I come from a rural area myself so I know the imposition on families and patients and the challenges for long-term commuting several times a week. I accept Senator Conway's point. There was a reference in my opening remarks to the fourth quarter of 2026. I will engage further with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on it and with the HSE to ensure that happens and that the date that has been given will be achieved. We take it very seriously as it is hugely important.”
“I will take the Senator's concern back to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I also assure the Deputy that the HSE and the Government will continue to monitor this to ensure there is a speedy delivery of the unit, which would free up the services within Limerick but also give greater access to services for the people of County Clare closer to their homes.”
“I assure the Senator that the Minister for Health fully recognises the importance of expanding haemodialysis options in the mid-west. This additional capacity will make a meaningful difference for patients and their families across the entire region. The Minister, and the entire Government, continue to engage closely with the HSE to ensure it is supported in delivering high-quality healthcare services for the people of the mid-west. I accept the challenges and issues Senator Conway raises. It is hugely important that we understand the challenges for people who are undergoing dialysis and the long distances they have to travel several times a week. It is not just on a once-off basis. They are travelling long distances to Limerick. The HSE and the Government are fully committed to the unit in Ennis.”
“More recently in 2025, 150 of the 414 patients who attended dialysis in UHL were residents of County Clare. Work is under way to progress the development of a haemodialysis unit in Ennis, which I understand will provide 120 treatment slots per week. The HSE has advised that this unit is expected to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2026. This is a very welcome development for the people of County Clare using those services. It will also help to ease pressures on the renal department at University Hospital Limerick as well as the satellite unit on the Dock Road in Limerick. It also reflects the direction set out in the national strategy for renal services and is in keeping with the Sláintecare goal of delivering more care closer to people's homes.”
“This investment is already making a real difference for a large number of patients accessing care, and it will support the hospitals in the region to continue expanding and improving the services they provide. In terms of the haemodialysis services in the region, the HSE has advised that patients from County Clare are currently treated either in UHL or in the hospital's satellite centre in the Dock Road in Limerick city. Haemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment. However, we cannot underestimate the toll it takes, for dialysis patients and their loved ones, travelling to treatment several times a week, often for hours on end. It is extremely demanding. The national renal office has highlighted a significant growth in demand for haemodialysis services in the mid-west, with a 66% increase in demand between 2010 and 2020.”
“I thank Senator Conway very much for the opportunity to address the House today on an issue I know is of real and ongoing importance to the people of County Clare and the wider mid-west. I am taking this Commencement on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. At the outset, I reassure the Senator that the Government is fully committed to improving patient services and delivering patient-centred care that truly meets the needs of patients and their families. That commitment is reflected in the significant level of new resources that have been invested in the HSE in recent years. Investment in the hospitals in the mid-west has increased from €370 million in 2019 to €763 million in 2025. That includes Ennis Hospital and University Hospital Limerick, UHL.”
“It falls under the just transition fund, but we will go back to see if there is any other source to which we could direct it. I wish the Senator's school and, indeed, everybody else who is involved in it the very best.”
“I wish them the very best of good luck. It is a huge achievement on the robotics competition in Missouri as well. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the civic reception this evening but the Senator might convey my congratulations to all concerned, particularly the students. Inclusive education is all about ensuring that everybody's strengths are being harnessed within the education system and encouraging students across all levels. Education is the great enabler, both at primary and post-primary school, to give people confidence into adulthood and into life. Many comments are made in relation to our education system. Our education system is world class and has been very successful; it is a great enabler. This is a hugely inclusive piece as well. I will reflect on it.”
“The Department has been in correspondence with the local authorities concerned and has outlined how there may be other possibilities of funding elsewhere. The STEM Education Policy Statement 2017-2026 makes it clear that STEM learning is not limited to schools. It happens in a variety of spaces such as homes, museums, coding workshops and workplaces. Inclusivity is also a core principle underpinning the Department's education strategy and the policy statement highlights the importance of broad, accessible learning experiences across all settings. I will come back to the Senator with some final comments.”
“Under the STEM Education Policy Statement 2017-2026, the Department continues to provide support for STEM, including the STEM-related curriculum reform; ongoing provision of STEM professional development; guidelines for STEM partnerships between schools and businesses and industry; partnership with Research Ireland to support education and public engagement projects in STEM; and ongoing support of informal STEM education projects, such as the Young Scientist Technology Exhibition, Science Blast and iWish. These initiatives inspire thousands of learners each year and help to promote creative problem-solving and teamwork in a fun and engaging way. I take the point that the Senator made in relation to teamwork. There are many facets of teamwork, not just in sport but right across the system. I take that point very seriously.”
“The positions were funded under the EU Just Transition Fund and the Department of Education and Youth has no role in it. The Senator will appreciate that the Department receives many requests in relation to support funding for initiatives, projects, resources, books, etc. Given the range of funding already provided, the Department is not in a position to replace this funding. However, I will undertake to go back and engage with this to see if there is a way. The Department will not be able to do so; it was funded under the just transition fund. We will engage and possibly come back to the Senator with some clarity on it.”
“The goal is to ensure all learners, whether they are male, female or from whatever gender background, have access to high-quality STEM learning that prepares them for success in the modern world. It supports children's capacity to understand and engage fully with the world around them and enables them to benefit from learning about and working with traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies. I commend the work being done by the STEM project co-ordinators in the midlands regional positions that were funded under the EU just transition programme. I listened carefully to the comments the Senator made in relation to The Swan National School and others. I know the engagement is there and has been transformative. I understand the points she made in relation to teambuilding for all students.”
“I thank the Senator very much. I welcome the opportunity to address Seanad Éireann. The promotion of STEM and digital learning within our education system is a key priority in the Department. This is reflected in multiple strategy documents, such as the STEM Education Policy statement, Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood. STEM stretches across all aspects of today's world and the innovation that emerges from these fields underpins much of the economic development leading to the establishment of creative, enterprising and rewarding careers. Our education system plays a key role in encouraging and equipping learners with the knowledge, skills and basics to effect these changes.”
“We have to ensure that we are equipping it for the next decade and beyond. The decisions that we make today are for the betterment of society. I thank Members for their contributions. I engaged with all of those who contributed as best I could individually and collectively. I thank the Committee on Disability Matters for the work it does. I ask that it continue the good work and I look forward to going before it again in the not too distant future. The committee visited Liskennett in Limerick. The committee is a powerful body and the more it is out in communities and groups the more informed the Oireachtas is, so keep up the good work.”
“That is why I reached out to all the principals over the past number of weeks and met them face-to-face. We will continue to examine schools that have embraced special classes, including inclusive special classes, with such great enthusiasm and excitement. Across the Chamber I heard about the commitment and dedication to special education. I reflected on some of the reports we launched when I was chair of the committee. The level of commitment to special education and disability on the floor of the Dáil is a joy to behold. People are well informed and see the challenges. We are dealing with a system that is evolving and we have to ensure that we are equipping the system not just for the short term but for the next decade and beyond. We spoke about the workforce development plan over the next decade or so.”
“From this year, that is being addressed in special schools. Block release is available for education therapy services. This is a great enabler and will be significant for students who are going to special schools. We have to continue to monitor and work on that. I can report to the House that is being done. There was a pilot scheme in 2024. The new scheme includes 45 schools and is a permanent scheme to provide therapies. It will be rolled out to over 140 schools. Over the past five years we have added another 20 special schools across the system because we need to build capacity in terms of education therapy. It will be a great enabler for the system. The teams working in special schools are superhuman beings and are doing an amazing job. We have to encourage and understand them.”
“The Department of further and higher education has examined expanding the amount of training and college places available for occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, behavioural therapists and other therapists. We cannot manufacture therapists; we have to train them through the system. We are working extensively across Government. We have increased capacity in third level colleges to ensure that we have an adequate number of occupational and speech and language therapists. The other piece is that heretofore no block release was available for occupational therapy, in particular, for special schools in Ireland. A number of occupational therapists were being trained in college and were then going to block release in the UK or other jurisdictions. We know when people go on block release we lose a certain percentage of them.”
“I thank the Members for their contributions. A number of issues were raised. It was remiss of me at the start not to talk about the education therapy services. We made a decision at Government back in March or April of 2025. Some people said we would not be able to do it. This involves the whole of Government. It was a decision made at the Cabinet disability committee. The housing committee is the committee that meets the most, and the disability subcommittee is second. A decision was taken to put therapies back into schools, starting with special schools and then rolling services out elsewhere. There are two elements to that. The first is recruitment. Thankfully we have had a successful recruitment process. Services will be clinically led by the NCSE and the structure is in place. Services are being rolled out in special schools.”