Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I would like to address some of the issues that have arisen in the course of this debate. On the demand for assessments, since 2005, most primary school children with special needs do not need assessments carried out in order to assess extra teaching supports required. The need for assessments has, therefore, been reduced. At the same time, we have made sure that all schools can access assessments for their pupils, either directly through the national educational psychological service, the Dublin VECs or by commissioning them from private psychologists whose fees will be paid by NEPS. Over 10,000 assessments were funded by the Department of Education and Science in the 2006-07 school year, 5,800 through NEPS and 4,400 through the private scheme.

As the Minister said last night, the number of schools served directly by NEPS is, therefore, only half the picture. Nonetheless, the Government is committed to expanding the number of NEPS psychologists, from the current 134 to 200 by 2009 so that more schools can receive a direct service. As part of this expansion, funding was made available earlier this year for 31 extra psychologists to be appointed to NEPS in 2007. While recruitment for these positions has taken longer than expected, it is under way. On top of the 31 extra posts sanctioned for this year, a further 11 NEPS psychologists will be recruited next year.

The Fine Gael motion also refers to access to speech and language therapy. As Deputies will be aware, the provision of such therapies is a matter for the health sector, rather than the Department of Education and Science. Access to the appropriate therapies can of course impact on children's capacity to succeed at school. The Taoiseach appointed Deputy Jimmy Devins as Minister of State with responsibility in both the education and health Departments to ensure better cross-departmental co-operation in such areas. I understand from him that the number of speech and language therapists employed in the public health service has more than doubled in recent years and there are plans for further improvements.

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