Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if staff engaged in the provision of school-based psychological services in primary schools have substance abuse training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5746/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools.

In line with best international practice, NEPS provides a consultative model of service, with a focus on empowering school staff to support pupils across a range of needs.

NEPS offers both a casework service and a support and development service providing access for all schools to the following:

- A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).

- A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools

- Ongoing access to advice and support for schools and

-Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident

The role of a NEPS Educational Psychologist is to support the wellbeing, inclusion and participation of all students in schools through the application of psychological theory and practice. NEPS has particular regard for children with special educational needs (SEN) and those at risk of educational disadvantage. The NEPS casework service focuses on the provision of psychological services for a pupil, working either directly with the pupil and/or with the child’s teachers and parents to facilitate a common understanding of the concerns which may include substance misuse. The psychologist will engage in collaborative assessment, intervention planning and monitoring of outcomes for the pupils.

NEPS establishes and strengthens co-operative linkages with other relevant statutory and voluntary bodies and encourages schools to do the same. Where necessary the NEPS psychologist will signpost schools to the appropriate external supports which could include supports for those affected by substance abuse.