New in-school therapy service brings vital support to Tipperary children and parents

Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary and Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Deputy Ryan O'Meara, has welcomed the announcement of the first phase of the new Education Therapy Service (ETS), describing it as a “game-changer” for children with additional needs and their families across Tipperary.

Deputy O'Meara said: "The new service championed by my colleague Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan, will see therapists embedded directly in school communities to provide vital, joined-up supports for students."

Deputy O'Meara said the inclusion of Nenagh Community Special School in this first phase is hugely positive news for families locally.

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“This is a landmark step forward in how we support children with special educational needs, and I am particularly pleased to see Nenagh Community Special School included from the very beginning,” said Deputy O’Meara.

“Nenagh Community Special School does incredible work every day. Having therapy supports delivered directly in the school will make a real difference to children’s development, learning and wellbeing, while also easing pressure on families who often face long waits or travel to access services.”

The Education Therapy Service is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and will be delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). It is designed to complement existing health and disability services, ensuring children receive the right supports, in the right place, at the right time.

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Deputy O'Meara said the initiative reflects Fianna Fáil’s focus on building inclusive services that support every child to reach their full potential.

“Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to strengthening special education and ensuring no child is left behind. Embedding therapists in schools is a practical, family-centred reform that will provide more timely and coordinated support where children learn every day,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing the service expand further in the months ahead so that even more schools and families across Tipperary can benefit.”

Recruitment for the first 90 therapists to support the 45 schools announced today has now concluded, with therapists to be appointed to specific schools in the coming months. Schools are also being contacted to begin planning for how the service will be delivered and integrated locally.