John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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442. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a NEPS psychologist will be recruited for a school (details supplied) to cover maternity leave; and if the support requested by the school will be granted. [3658/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I have made enquiries in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy. While the assigned psychologist is on maternity leave, the school continues to have access to critical incident and advisory support from NEPS and pupil casework via the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA). A member of the local NEPS team undertakes the role of advisory psychologist to respond to queries that the school may have. The school has been advised to contact the NEPS administration staff in the NEPS Kilkenny Office if they need to consult with a NEPS psychologist. I can report that the school's NEPS advisory psychologist has been in touch with this school to support the staff with their specific queries.

In addition to casework, NEPS psychologists work with school staff, to build their capability to support the wellbeing, and academic, social and emotional development of all pupils. NEPS has developed advice and resources for schools, parents and pupils to support the wellbeing of students during the pandemic. Schools are supported by the provision of a range of further guidance and support from my Department's Support Services and from agencies, including the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) and HSE Services. These resources and supports are available to all schools.