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

As I indicated, the programme for Government commits to a 25% increase in the staffing in NEPS and this is one thing we will implement. We are also trying to move to have less reliance on the types of assessments to which the Deputy rightly said disadvantaged children have less fair access. We are moving away from this high reliance. For example, we are simplifying accommodation of exams to make it easier for children who get accommodation at junior certificate to carry it into the leaving certificate. We are trying to free up NEPS to do the type of real work that needs to be done, not writing reports about submissions to get access, but to do work to support schools. At the same time, we are increasing the commitment to resource teachers.

The material in the school to provide those children with the supports they need, therefore, will be increased and we will free up NEPS staff to do the work that was intended. This approach should be welcomed and I look forward to working with the Deputy at the committee on this roll-out, which will make a difference. We are committed to increasing NEPS staff in the programme for Government and this year we are recruiting within our existing provision.

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