Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter. He is correct that early intervention across any stream, whether it is learning or psychological support, can genuinely make a difference, not just to how well children develop in those areas but to their well-being, the management of their anxiety and their mental health at every stage throughout that process and also their inclusion within the school. Too many children have found themselves excluded for want of better and earlier interventions in different ways. NEPS will continue to support the well-being and academic, social and emotional development of all learners. The Minister is deeply committed to ensuring that comprehensive psychological service is available in schools. The recent announcement to continue to recruit is important. I hope the next time we discuss this matter in the Seanad the positions will have been filled from the current recruitment process.