A Donegal TD has warmly welcomed the expansion of the Education Therapy Service (ETS) to a further 19 special schools nationwide — including two in Donegal.
The expansion means that St Bernadette Special School and Little Angels Special School in Letterkenny will now benefit from direct, in‑school therapeutic supports delivered through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
This marks the first time the ETS will operate in every county with a special school.
The announcement was made this week by Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, and Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan.
Deputy Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher said: “I welcome today’s announcement and the inclusion of St Bernadette’s and Little Angels in this latest phase of the Education Therapy Service.
“This is a very positive development for children, families and school communities across Donegal.
“Access to therapy supports within the school setting can make a profound difference to a child’s educational experience, helping them to participate fully and reach their potential.
“Embedding therapists directly in schools ensures earlier intervention, stronger collaboration with staff and better outcomes for students.”
The ETS expansion builds on the initial rollout earlier this year, bringing the total number of participating special schools to 64.
Therapy supports for the newly added schools are expected to be in place by the end of the first term of the 202627 academic year, with further national expansion planned throughout 2027.
Deputy Gallagher added: “I want to acknowledge the ongoing work of the NCSE, school leaders, therapists and families who have advocated for these supports.
“I will continue to monitor progress as therapist assignments take place over the coming weeks, and I will work to ensure that Donegal’s special schools receive the full benefit of this important service.”