Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his query in relation to my Departments National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). NEPS provides psychological support to all primary, post-primary, and special schools.

NEPS provides access for all schools to:

• psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident,
• a casework service for individual students 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.

Where a school does not have an assigned psychologist due to a vacancy, a psychologist from the local NEPS team undertakes the role of advisory psychologist to respond to queries that the school may have. These schools continue to have access to critical incident response, advisory support, and the support and development Service delivered by their local NEPS office. Individual student casework can be accessed via the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).

NEPS does not operate waiting lists. In common with other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS operates on a consultative model of service. NEPS psychologists work with schools using a problem-solving model to help schools identify need and interventions to support those needs. Under this model, schools use a continuum-based assessment and intervention process whereby each school carries out initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. This model means that pupils do not need a psychological assessment or a diagnosis of a disability in order to access additional support in school. Additional supports for children with special educational needs are embedded in all primary and post primary schools. Where parents/guardians have concerns regarding their child’s progress, they should discuss with the Principal or Special Education Teacher. Where concerns remain following interventions and support by the school, NEPS may become involved. Schools prioritise those students with most need. The NEPS casework service involves the provision of a psychological service for a student, with the psychologist working with the student, teachers and parents, and other professionals if appropriate, to identify need and plan for intervention to support the student in school.

NEPS support is broader than the allocation of assessments and that the number of assessments carried out by an assigned psychologist for a school is not fixed.