Ms Anne Tansey:

With regard to NEPS numbers, how well we are organised and can provide the required support, we have to consider this service in the context of the schools to which we are providing support. The Department of Education and Skills resources schools with 60,000 teachers and 1,300 special education teachers to provide what we call a continuum of support in schools. Schools are providing support for all children and tiering this support for some children with emerging need or those at risk in addition to children with complex and enduring need. The role of NEPS is to support schools in that role. We broaden our reach by using our capacity-building work. We provide training to schools. We work by advising schools and providing a consultation service and assisting schools in setting up structures that maximise the support that children receive in schools. We have broadened our reach in that way in recent years.

With regard to the schools, the average number of schools our psychologists serve would be around 24 schools. It varies from urban districts to rural regions, because there are very small schools in rural regions, but the average is 24 schools.

We have recruited 11 additional psychologists last year. The 16 referred to would have included replacements due to retirements. This year, of the 15 additional psychologists to be recruited, ten of those are newly sanctioned posts and five are replacements due to retirements or resignations.