Seán Canney TD, Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, has welcomed the delivery of key elements of the POTTS Programme (Partnering in Occupational Therapy Telehealth Services) in the CHO2 area, which covers the HSE West region.
The POTTS Programme is a pioneering partnership between the University of Limerick and Dyspraxia DCD Ireland, providing occupational therapy supports for children and families affected by Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) through a hybrid telehealth model. The programme addresses two critical national needs: reducing waiting times for families and creating essential student placement opportunities in occupational therapy — a growing challenge for many institutions.
Since its inception in 2020, the programme has delivered over 8,958 hours of student placement, supported 138 families and individuals, and hosted 894 individual sessions and 30 group sessions. It has also established a national Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Clinic and Digital Resource Library, offering accessible and free online tools to help families develop daily living skills in a functional and family-centred way.
Key strengths of the programme include:
Directly addressing service waitlists
Improved access for rural families
Stakeholder-led design aligned with national health policy
Specialised DCD training for occupational therapy students
Minister Canney said: “I was delighted to host the Dyspraxia DCD Ireland team and University of Limerick partners at Leinster House to hear more about the impact of the POTTS Programme. This is an excellent example of innovation in service delivery, leveraging digital tools to reach families more quickly and effectively. I particularly welcome the fact that services under this programme are now being delivered in the HSE’s CHO2 area, serving Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. This will make a real difference to children, families and schools in our region. I want to commend the dedicated staff, students, and volunteers who have driven this project forward.”
ENDS
