Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Let us consider some of the outputs. There is reference to providing targeted support and services to schools and children with special educational needs, particularly resource teaching and learning supports. There is also a reference to providing other supports to pupils with special educational needs. What types of support, if not resource teaching and learning supports, are in question?

Another issue I am keen to raise under this programme is the national educational psychological service. This is something I raised with the Minister yesterday. I recognise that under this Government the number of NEPS psychologists has increased, and that is to be welcomed. The Department set out a target in the region of 273 NEPS psychologists, if I recall correctly. I am trying to ascertain how many NEPS psychologists are actually in the system. I know several are out on maternity leave and some are out sick, but they are not replaced. What is the exact number of NEPS psychologists currently available to schools? The target is to ensure that every school will have access to a NEPS psychologist. Will we actually meet that target in 2015? I know that in 2014 not every school had access to a NEPS psychologist.