Ireland’s school wellbeing strategy is taking a more direct, child-focused turn. The gov.ie update on the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot 2023-2026 highlights how the Department of Education and Youth is expanding mental health and wellbeing supports for younger pupils who need early intervention in the school setting.
Published by the Department of Education and Youth, the initiative is designed to strengthen in-school support for children experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges. The pilot adds practical counselling access in selected areas while also broadening wider wellbeing supports through specialist school-based practitioners.
gov.ie update: what the primary school counselling pilot includes
The gov.ie publication explains that the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot first launched in June 2023. It provides one-to-one, in-person counselling for a limited number of primary school children with mild to moderate mental health needs.
The service is being delivered in selected counties through county panels of pre-approved private counsellors, organised by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) on behalf of the Department. This approach is intended to ensure that schools can access structured support for pupils who may benefit from focused counselling in a familiar educational environment.
Counties included in the original pilot
- Cavan
- Laois
- Leitrim
- Longford
- Mayo
- Monaghan
- Tipperary
The gov.ie notice positions the programme as part of a broader government effort to support children’s wellbeing, resilience and mental health through the education system.
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gov.ie confirms expansion to urban DEIS schools
A major development in the gov.ie update is the expansion announced on 23 October 2024. The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot was extended to 61 urban DEIS primary schools in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Finglas, Ballymun and Darndale.
These schools were identified by the Department as serving communities facing some of the highest levels of disadvantage in the State. That makes the expansion particularly significant for families, teachers and school leaders working in areas where additional mental health and educational supports are often most needed.
The move also aligns with wider Irish public service goals across Education, Health and Children/Disability/Equality, while complementing the broader roles played by agencies such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla, HIQA and the Citizens Information Board in supporting child wellbeing and family services.
Education Wellbeing Practitioners in Schools Pilot explained
The gov.ie publication also outlines a second strand of support: the Education Wellbeing Practitioners in Schools Pilot. Rather than focusing only on one-to-one counselling, this model provides enhanced in-school support for clusters of primary schools.
These practitioners work under the direction and supervision of psychologists within NEPS and support pupils, parents and school staff at a whole-school level. Their work is aimed at improving resilience, promoting wellbeing and helping schools build stronger support structures from within.
Areas included in this pilot
- Cork
- Carlow
- Dublin 7
- Dublin 16
The programme is also being expanded to schools in the DEIS Plus Scheme and operates in strategic partnership with Cork ETB.
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Why this gov.ie education initiative matters
Early support can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development, especially when challenges are identified before they escalate. By combining targeted counselling with broader school-based wellbeing input, the gov.ie initiative shows a more layered approach to student support.
For parents and educators, the key takeaway is clear: the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot 2023-2026 is not just a limited education programme, but part of a wider effort to embed child mental health support into everyday school life. As gov.ie continues to update the programme, its progress will be closely watched across Ireland’s education and public service sectors.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
