1568. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the recruitment campaign for education therapy services, in particular for County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64098/26]

As referenced in Parliamentary Question 21308/2026 in February 2026, my department announced the phased rollout of the Education Therapy Service providing therapy supports to 45 special schools in 16 counties.

Following on from this on the 1st of September 2026 my department announced the further phased rollout of the Education Therapy Service providing therapy supports to an additional 19 special schools in 9 counties, Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Kerry, Offaly, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon and Waterford.

The NCSE have undertaken recruitment campaigns for Senior and Staff Grade Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, across all counties. Panels have been created and posts are currently being offered with some therapists in post in the NCSE since late May 2026. These therapists supported their assigned schools in May and June. They also provided supports to the summer programme.

Recruitment is ongoing, this includes a national campaign for senior and staff grade therapists and a campaign for therapy managers. The NCSE are ensuring all therapeutic resources available are utilised to the maximum and as a result all schools in the first 45 special schools will receive some therapy supports during term 1 of the 2026/2027 school year. The level of support may vary between schools, in line with available resources, and may include assigned therapists or bespoke training, in-class coaching and modelling for teachers.

The 19 special schools, referenced above and including the Offaly School of Special Education, will have access to therapy supports in their schools during the first school term of the 2026/27 academic year. It is envisaged that therapists will be assigned to schools and support a small cluster of schools, depending on the needs of the individual schools in the cluster.

All 19 special schools are invited to a preparatory webinar on the 8th of September 2026 with officials in my Department and the NCSE to discuss how the therapists will support the schools and ensure alignment with existing services.

Further recruitment campaigns for clinical staff are underway to ensure therapy needs across the school system are met. It is envisaged that future recruitment campaigns will also include additional therapy grades, including Clinical Specialists, and Therapy Assistants.

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.