By Dan Walsh
The HSE is committed to funding that will recruit a team comprising an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist and a physiotherapist at Scoil Naomh Pádraig (St. Patrick’s School), Drumgold, Enniscorthy, and once the therapists are appointed by the school will engage with the Children’s Disability Network Teams.
The announcement was made on Monday during the visit of Anne Rabbitte, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Minister Rabbitte met with members of the Board of Management and parents with representation from Down Syndrome Wexford, HSE officials and Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe and Senator Malcolm Byrne.
Welcoming the decision, Senator Malcolm Byrne, in a statement told WexfordLocal.com; “The need for therapists has been stressed to me when I’ve met families of those attending the school and was also highlighted at a meeting that I facilitated a few months ago between Down Syndrome Wexford and Minister Rabbitte.”
“There were difficulties in HSE recruitment so the Minister has made the welcome and innovative step of allowing the school recruit directly,” said Senator Byrne, who added; “This is the first time this has happened and could be an effective model for similar situations across the country.”
Scoil Naomh Pádraig is a modern building adjacent to the slopes of famous Vinegar Hill and was officially opened in April 2021. It has over 30 teachers and other staff and caters for children in the 4-18 years age category from south Co. Wicklow and Co. Wexford.
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