(Ireland) Offaly: Special needs students to get speech/language/occupational therapy in school

Sept 1, 2026, Offaly School of Special Education to benefit from therapy service | Offaly Independent

Offaly School of Special Education in Tullamore has been included in the latest expansion of the Government’s Education Therapy Service (ETS).

The expansion, announced by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton and Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan, will bring therapy expertise directly into the school community, supporting children and young people with special educational needs while also working alongside teachers and school staff.

The inclusion of the Tullamore based school in the latest expansion of the therapy service has been deemed a "positive development" by Offaly's three Dáil representatives.

Fine Gael Deputy, John Clendennen, said the announcement would provide important additional support for pupils, families and school staff in Offaly.

“ETS brings therapeutic expertise directly into the school setting, allowing therapists to work alongside teachers, SNAs and school staff in supporting children throughout their school day.

“For families, that means better integration between education and therapy supports and, importantly, bringing those supports closer to the child rather than requiring families to navigate separate systems," Deputy Clendennen said.

Fianna Fáil Deputy, Tony McCormack, said having therapy supports available within the school environment "can make a real difference".

"It allows therapists to work directly with children and alongside the teachers and staff who support them every day. . . .