Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the significant steps being taken to expand special education provision and establish a dedicated Education Therapy Service (ETS) to support children with additional needs.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth (DEY), is delivering over 400 new special class and special school places for the 2025/2026 school year, including five new special schools.

Minister Canney said: “I welcome the Government’s strong commitment to supporting children with special educational needs. The establishment of five new special schools and the expansion of capacity will make a real difference for children and families across the country. I’m particularly pleased to see continued focus on ensuring every child can access a suitable school place close to home.”

The Department has confirmed that 99% of children seeking a primary special class place have already received one, with ongoing work to place the remaining children in Dublin.

In tandem with the expansion of special school provision, work is advancing to establish the Education Therapy Service (ETS), which will offer in-school therapy to children in 45 special schools initially from 2025/2026. The service will provide direct access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and therapy assistant supports within the school setting, helping to embed therapeutic intervention into the daily school experience of children with additional needs.

Recruitment for the ETS will begin following the completion of staff grading and sanctioning processes, expected by mid-July. The ETS will enhance job opportunities and career progression for therapists, and will initially operate in special schools, with plans to expand to special classes and mainstream schools over time.

Minister Canney added: “This is a transformational development. Embedding therapeutic supports within schools means children will receive the care they need without leaving the classroom. It’s a more inclusive, child-centred approach that will support better outcomes for students with additional needs.”

An investment of €3.2 million has been allocated to commence the service in 2025, along with €5 million in capital funding. Recruitment and governance structures are expected to be finalised by the end of July, with rollout to begin in 45 special schools.