Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the counselling services available in respect of special schools for students aged between four and eight years with mild general learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15386/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Special schools and classes for students with mild general learning difficulties are supported by enhanced pupil teacher ratios of 11 to 1. Pupils attending such classes who have care needs are also supported by Special Needs Assistants.

Pupils who require health service supports, including counselling services, are provided with such services by the Health Service Executive (HSE) or through HSE funded agencies.

Where special schools do not have access to psychological services provided by the HSE or HSE-funded agencies those schools are supported by the National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS) and have NEPS psychologists assigned to those schools. Although NEPS psychologists do not provide direct counselling services for students, they do provide advice and support to the teaching personnel catering for students, including students who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties.