Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

150. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when an assessment will be carried out for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24741/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

By way of context, it is important to note that in common with many other psychological services and best international practice, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of my Department has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring.

Psychologists use a problem solving and solution oriented consultative approach to maximise positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

I have made enquiries in the matter of the individual raised in the Deputy's question and can inform him that NEPS first began to work with this student over four years ago. During his time in primary school, the student had a full psychological assessment and review completed by the school’s NEPS psychologist and was also the subject of ongoing consultations.

On the student’s transfer to post primary school the NEPS service continued to provide consultative support to the school advising on how best to promote positive outcomes for this student. As is always the case, and in line with the NEPS model of service, the assigned psychologist is available to the school to discuss this student’s needs and indeed the merit of further formal assessment. I would advise therefore that if his parents have concerns in relation to his educational, social or emotional development these should be raised by the parents, in the first instance, with the Principal of the school he is attending, with a view to discussing the situation with the school's assigned NEPS psychologist.