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 and special schools.

The NEPS service provides access for all schools to:

• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment.
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools and
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools.

I can inform the Deputy that the number of educational psychologists currently employed in NEPS stands is 227 across the eight NEPS regions.

In 2023, the whole time equivalent number of Psychologists was 225,

In 2022, the whole time equivalent number of Psychologists was 225,

In 2021, the whole time equivalent number of Psychologists was 221, and

In 2020, the whole time equivalent number of Psychologists was 201.

The Public Appointment Service (PAS) is currently running a competition to recruit additional educational psychologists.