Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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820. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when she will bring forward the memorandum to advance the School Inclusion Model to Cabinet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19268/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The School Inclusion Model (SIM) is based on policy advice from the National Council for Special Education based on the principle of providing the right support at the right time delivered by a range of personnel with relevant qualifications and skill-sets.  Its purpose is to help students achieve better outcomes. Independent evaluation is a central part of the project and the outcome will inform future policy on extending the SIM.  The project includes a number of elements:

- Provision of in-school therapies (speech and language, occupational)

- Allocation of SNAs on a frontloaded basis

- Additional professional supports for the school including psychology, behavioural and professional development

- Training of SNAs

In February 2019, the Government approved the trialing of the Model for the 2019/20 school year. Initially designed as a one year pilot involving up to 75 participating schools in the CHO 7 region, it was interrupted by Covid-19 with the closure of schools and the diversion of HSE therapists from the project to Covid related work. It was then extended to the 2020/21 school year which was also interrupted by Covid.  

Progress has been made on aspects of the Model but much remains to be done in terms of in-school implementation and evaluation.  

The Pilot has recommenced in November 2021 in CHO7 and planning for an expansion is underway at present.

My Department is consulting with relevant Departments including Taoiseach, Heath and Children and a Memorandum is expected to be brought to Government shortly.