Vol. 541 No. 4
537 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has met the various psychological assessment, monitoring and back-up requirements at primary and secondary level as set out by school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23278/01]
The National Educational Psychological Service Agency was established on 1 September 1999. It has now reached almost half of its ultimate target of 200 psychologists. I announced during the summer that arrangements are being made to accelerate recruitment to NEPS so that it will reach its full complement by the end of the year 2002 instead of 2004. NEPS has delegated authority from my Department to provide an educational psychological service to all children and young people in schools and other approved educational centres. This service includes the provision of psychological assessments, monitoring of progress and support for parents and teachers.
I recognise the need for some schools and parents to be able to gain access to psychological assessments for their children pending the full development of the NEPS service. I, therefore, recently announced the allocation of £1.25 million so that schools that do not yet have access to NEPS may commission assessments from private practitioners. NEPS issued details of this scheme to all schools some time ago and it is now in operation.
