Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. My Department's National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, in line with best international practice, operates a tiered consultative model of service and it supports schools in a continuum of support process. This means each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties in consultation, as appropriate, with its assigned NEPS psychologist.

In the event of a pupil not making reasonable progress or where he or she requires further additional support, NEPS may become directly involved with the student, offering service to identify need and appropriate intervention which may or may not involve assessment of the student or undertaking intensive intervention, including assessment. In 2015-16, NEPS undertook such case work, including assessment, with 7,974 pupils in primary and post-primary schools. In addition, 1,673 assessments were provided to schools through a panel of private practitioners. Furthermore, NEPS psychologists in the period consulted teachers in respect of an estimated 25,000 pupils, providing advice as to appropriate interventions in solving issues raised.

The Deputy may be aware that the programme for Government commits to the expansion of NEPS psychologist numbers by 65 individuals, which constitutes a 25% increase. The effect of this expansion will result in a deepening in the application of this model of service to schools and will shorten the lead time in providing a range of services to schools, including those involving assessment.

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