David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 277: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to expand the National Educational Psychological Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20425/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) which is administered by NEPS.

I can inform the Deputy that there are currently 159 psychologists employed in my Department's NEPS service which represents an increase of some 21 posts on last year's numbers.

However in regard to further improving the service to schools I was pleased to announce recently, in the context of Budget 2009, an increase in the funding available to NEPS which will allow for an expansion of up to 50 additional psychologists. Recruitment of these psychologists is currently underway from an existing panel of qualified Personnel and upon its depletion discussions will commence between my Department and the Public Appointments Service in relation to the establishment of a new panel in this regard. The number envisaged will, upon realisation, enable the expansion of the NEPS service to all schools in the country.