Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the action a person (details supplied) can take in a situation. [11412/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may be aware that under the Education Welfare Act 2000 all primary and post primary schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy. The attention of the parents/guardians of the pupil concerned in this question should be drawn to the terms of this policy in the particular school and the process for pursuing investigation of any bullying allegations enshrined therein.

In relation to psycho-educational assessment my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides an educational psychological service to all primary and post primary schools through an assigned NEPS psychologist and in some cases through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are in the NEPS section of my Department's website. Under this scheme schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. This process is moderated through the school.

I have made enquiries in the matter and can confirm that NEPS has not been contacted by the school regarding the child in question. I would advise therefore that the parents/guardians of the child should raise the matter, in the first instance, with the principal of the school concerned with a view to his / her discussing the matter with the assigned NEPS psychologist.

The Deputy may be aware that an extended absence from school is a matter for the local Educational Welfare Service. The parents/guardians of the child in this case should make contact with Tusla to seek advice on how the child can best pursue or recommence their Second Level education.

My Department's NEPS service is available to assist as appropriate, if requested by either the School Principal or the Educational Welfare Service.