Expansion of Education Therapy Service to four Mayo schools welcomed
Minister of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the inclusion of four Mayo special schools in the expanded Education Therapy Service (ETS).
The Education Therapy Service (ETS) is expanding to a further 19 special schools across nine counties including four in Mayo: St. Anthony’s Special School, St. Brid’s Special School, St. Dymphna’s Special School, and St. Nicholas’ Special School.
Minister Dillon said the inclusion of these Mayo schools represents “a significant strengthening of therapeutic supports for children and young people with complex needs across our county.”
He highlighted the importance of embedding therapy expertise directly within school communities, noting that the ETS will provide multi‑tiered supports across individual, classroom and whole‑school levels.
“This expansion ensures that children in Mayo’s special schools can access the right therapeutic supports as part of their daily educational experience,” Minister Dillon said.
“It brings services closer to families, reduces barriers, and reinforces our commitment to building an inclusive education system where every child is supported to thrive.”
Minister Dillon also acknowledged the work of the NCSE, school leaders, therapists and families in advancing the rollout.
He said the expansion, now reaching every county with a special school, marks an important milestone in the Government’s phased delivery of therapy supports, with further growth planned throughout 2027.
He added that he will continue to work closely with the Department of Education and Youth to ensure Mayo’s special schools benefit fully from this strengthened support model.
Welcoming the news, Deputy Keira Keogh said: “This will make a real difference to children, their families and the staff supporting them every day.
“For too long, families and schools have struggled to access therapies that children need to learn, communicate, participate and thrive.
"Under this model, therapists become part of the school community and work directly with students, teachers, SNAs and families in the child’s everyday environment.
“Therapeutic support is about much more than an occasional scheduled appointment. It could be a Speech and Language Therapist helping a student use an AAC device to communicate and join conversations with peers.
"It could be an Occupational Therapist giving a child and their school team practical strategies to support regulation, concentration and participation in the classroom.
“Having that expertise available consistently, when and where it is needed, can be transformative.”
Deputy Keogh, who worked as a Behaviour Specialist supporting neurodiverse children and young people before entering politics, said she understands the value of providing specialist support within schools.
“I have seen first-hand both the extraordinary work being done in our special schools and the difference that access to therapeutic expertise can make.
“I have worked closely with students and staff in St Brid’s and I know the commitment, skill and care within these school communities. I am genuinely delighted that all four of Mayo’s special schools are included in this expansion.”
Deputy Keogh also paid tribute to St. Brid’s principal Andrew Maxwell for his sustained advocacy for the service.
“Andrew has created an exceptional environment for the students and staff of St Brid’s. He has been persistent in explaining why consistent access to specialist therapists is so important and what it would mean for the whole school community.
“This announcement reflects that determined advocacy. Schools know their students best, and having therapists who understand each school and can work alongside its staff will make an enormous difference.”
Welcoming the announcement, Andrew Maxwell, principal of St Brid’s Special School, said: “We are so delighted with this news. Having therapists who know and understand our student population, and who are here on the ground as part of our school community, will make such a positive difference for our students, staff and families.
“Access to consistent therapeutic expertise within the school setting will help us to support our students better every day. We are very much looking forward to working with the Education Therapy Service.”
Deputy Keogh said the expansion should be another step towards ensuring children can receive the supports they need in the setting where they spend much of their day.
“This is wonderful news for these four Mayo schools, but we cannot stop here. Every school with children who require these supports should be able to access them.
“I have raised the need in Mayo directly with Minister Naughton and appreciate her engagement with our schools. I will continue working to ensure the Education Therapy Service reaches every child and school that needs it.”
Minister Dara Calleary stated: “The ETS is a standalone commitment under the Programme for Government and represents a major cross-departmental initiative to embed therapy supports within school communities. The service is being delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
“This announcement is a very significant step forward in delivering on the Government’s commitment to bring therapy supports closer to children, their families and the schools that support them every day.
"Under this service, therapy is delivered through a model of support that responds to children's individual needs while also fostering inclusive environments where all learners can meaningfully participate,” he said.
“I am very pleased that the department has sanctioned the expansion of this service for St. Dymphna’s, Ballina; St. Nicholas’, Ballina; St. Anthony’s, Castlebar and St. Brid’s, Castlebar. I wish each of the four school communities well for the year ahead.”