Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I reiterate that 733 blocks of counselling have been provided to 733 children. It is new and innovative, and it will take time for it to take root. There have been challenges - I would be the first to say it - with regard to recruiting counsellors. The Deputy has specifically referenced her own area there. I am pleased, as I said, that from mid-April we have been fortunate to allocate a third counsellor, and we will continue to recruit in that space. It is interesting that there are two pilots because it will give us greater learning going forward as to whether a combination of the two, or one or the other is the most appropriate with which to move forward.

With specific regard to those who are training under the NEPS psychologists, they can come from a variety of backgrounds, whether it is education, social care or psychotherapy. Some within that field are currently being trained under the NEPS psychologists and they are actually out working in the clusters as well. There will be greater progress going forward but again, I would encourage people working in this field and who have this expertise to consider becoming involved as part of the primary school programme.

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