Written answers
Tuesday, 16 April 2024
Department of Education and Skills
National Educational Psychological Service
Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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126. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to address the staffing crisis within the National Educational Psychological Service. [16338/24]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The number of educational psychologists currently employed in NEPS stands at 225 whole time equivalents across eight regions. This has risen from 206 whole time equivalents in 2021. This is the highest number employed in NEPS since it was established. Since the start of this school year, the NEPS service has expanded to all special schools, which is hugely important given the increased support needed for children in these settings.
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 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 and
- Ongoing access to advice and support for schools.
The Public Appointments Service commenced a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists at the end of 2023. Interviews have taken place and panels now established. The Department is actively engaging with PAS to maximise the numbers of psychologists being recruited.
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