Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the consideration being given to providing additional funding to a project (details supplied), that has previously received funding through the what works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59702/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My department are aware of the project and officials have visited schools where it has delivered in school interventions in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. The work of students on the project with school staff, whole classes, small groups and a small number of individual children and their families to provide therapeutic supports, in a selection of DEIS Band 1 schools is acknowledged. The benefit of the project for the development of students on the project is also noted.

My department where possible aim to support innovation in our schools. The Dormant Accounts Fund is is one example of where my department is committed to supporting projects that tackle educational disadvantage through innovative projects, where they align with policy priorities. It is anticipated that the 2026 Dormant Accounts Fund will be published in the coming weeks.

My Department will commence roll out of the Education Therapy Service (ETS) in some special schools in the 2025/26 school year. Further roll out of the service will occur on a phased basis with a wider roll-out to further special schools commencing in the 2026/27 school year. In time, it is intended that this service will be available to schools with special classes and mainstream schools.

Initially the ETS will provide supports from Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. The development and delivery of this service will be informed by detailed engagement with the HSE and will build on the National Council for Special Educations’ (NCSE) work previously completed through the Educational Therapy Support Service (ETSS).

It is acknowledged that there is a lack of therapists available nationally. To increase the supply of therapists the Department has been working closely with DFHERIS to increase the number of therapy training places. An additional 30 training places across OT and SLT were introduced into the system in the 2025/2026 academic year. A key aspect of increasing training places is the availability of practice education. It is planned that the ETS will provide a number of practice education placements in addition to placements available through the HSE.