William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

620. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will provide funding for private therapists in schools (details supplied) in the absence of HSE therapists being available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9450/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to delivering real and tangible solutions to enhance services to better support children with special needs in Ireland. The Progressing Disability Services (PDS) Roadmap 2023-2026 seeks to ensure equitable access to services for all children with complex needs, including those who attend special schools throughout the country.

The CDNT staff from all networks continue to engage with children and families in both home and school environments as appropriate. The CDNT has also provided training and workshops for the teaching staff on supporting children in the school environment.

Funding has also been made available in 2025 for Children’s Services to build on existing recruitment initiatives, with funding focusing on various positions across CDNTs.

HSE advise that the use of private therapist capacity can be pursued to address existing shortfalls in capacity in the CDNTS, including provision of therapy supports to special schools, to improve access to services while ensuring that the service continues under the governance of the CDNM and teams, until the staffing levels improve.

HSE have assured the Department that delivery of safe services under appropriate clinical governance is key in the procurement of any private capacity. HSE National are engaging with relevant REOs prior to the finalisation of any arrangement to secure private capacity to ensure clinical governance issues are settled.