Disability services provision model for special schools 'not working', says Tánaiste
Special Micheál Multidisciplinary Teams Linehan Needed In Martin Schools All Are Dan Said Picture:
The current model being used to provide disability services in special schools is not working and has resulted in a decline in the number of therapists in these schools, the Tánaiste has said.
The issue was raised with Micheál Martin in relation to St Killian’s School in Cork, which secured €40,000 to fund private therapists following a high-profile campaign by parents and staff.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said the funds would have to be stretched to cover the needs of the school, which is Munster’s largest special school.
"The €40,000 provided will cover the cost of paying therapists until Christmas, no longer than that," said Mr Barry.
He said the provision of therapists at the end of 2024 must not be taken away from the children at the beginning of 2025.
The Cork TD asked for assurances from Mr Martin that the therapists will remain in place next year. Responding, Mr Martin said that "whatever is started now has to continue".
The HSE's Progressing Disabilities Services (PDS) model reconfigured children's disability services and saw clinicians such as occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and physios removed from schools.
Instead, they were placed on the HSE's Children’s Disability Network teams (CDNTs), the aim of which was to provide multidisciplinary therapy services to children in their communities and local areas.
Mr Martin said he believes there need to be schools-based multidisciplinary teams in all special schools but said there has been resistance to this idea from the HSE due to the PDS model.
"That has not worked, in my view, and has resulted in the decline in therapists from special schools, ostensibly to become part of CDNT teams, but the CDNT teams haven't succeeded in recruiting the necessary staffing," Mr Martin said.