Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Interagency collaboration was mentioned. What has been the input of the Special Education Support Service and CAMHS to the various guidelines produced recently on bullying and mental health strategies?

Continuous professional development for teachers was touched upon by Senator Moran. With regard to NEPS, a number of schools have access to private assessments. How is NEPS focusing on the schools that do not? Is there a policy in this regard? What I experienced, which may have changed in the two years since I was in the classroom, was that clinical assessments in respect of behavioural problems were not offered through NEPS. Is there a policy to change that such that children with behavioural problems may be assessed?

Senator Moran referred to the new four-year Bachelor of Education qualification and the two-year higher diploma qualification. Is there capacity in teacher training for greater emphasis on anti-bullying and mental health strategies?