Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on tackling mental health problems within schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11028/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that medical and therapy supports for children who are suffering from mental health problems are provided by the Health Service Executive.

My Department provides for Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for children who have care needs relating to an assessment of Emotional Behavioural Disorder (EBD) or Severe Emotional Behavioural Disorder (SEBD). SNA support is also provided in relation to students who may have a disability diagnosis other than EBD or SEBD, but who may have been allocated care support for behavioural issues. In total, approximately 6,000 children in primary and post primary schools are currently being supported by some 4,500 SNAs either wholly or partly to address behavioural issues.

Where children with a diagnosis of EBD or SEBD have consequential learning support needs, they also receive Resource Teaching support.

Other supports which are available for schools to deal with emotional and behavioural difficulties include the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) in post primary schools and the support teacher scheme in primary schools.

Schools are also supported by the National Educational Psychology Services. The National Educational Psychology Service has published 'Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties - A Continuum of Support for Primary Schools - Guidelines for Teachers" and intends to also shortly publish new Guidelines for schools for Supporting Students with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties.