Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate having the opportunity to confirm the Department has set up a high-level working group on this issue chaired by the Secretary General, which is a testament to the importance we are placing on how we advance the service provided by NEPS. The working group has agreed on a number of actions that will be taken. Following analysis of the various options that were laid out by the group, it has been decided the Department will use some available NEPS funding to sponsor a cohort of third-year students of the educational psychology doctoral programme in University College Dublin, UCD, and Mary Immaculate College, which is linked to the University of Limerick, for the academic year 2022-23 by providing a contribution towards their fees and associated expenses.

The workforce planning group that I referenced previously, under the Secretary General, will be asked to make some interim recommendations in quarter 2 of next year regarding any other short-term measures required in advance of the final report. I want to acknowledge that we are making considerable progress in this area. I think that is a positive announcement.

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