Rollout of therapists in schools begins this month

The episode opens with a discussion on escalating tensions between Irish teachers' unions and the government over pay, workload, and unfulfilled financial commitments. Education Minister Hildegard Nocton, speaking from the INTO annual conference in Killarney, acknowledges the frustration among educators, particularly around a promised allowance from September that remains unpaid. She defends the government's position, emphasizing ongoing negotiations and the need for structural funding to meet rising demands in education, especially in special needs support. A major focus of the conversation is the new rollout of therapists in schools, with 39 speech and occupational therapists already deployed in special schools this April, with plans to expand to mainstream schools. Minister Nocton highlights a €3 billion annual investment in special education and new training requirements for student teachers to include special education placements. She also addresses a national survey showing 40% of parents want a shift from Catholic to multi-denominational school ethos, affirming the government's commitment to local choice and transparency through school-level survey results. The episode concludes with a call for increased funding and systemic reform to sustain Ireland’s world-class education system.