Vol. 544 No. 3
501 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the initiatives he is proposing to reduce the waiting lists for psychological assessment for students in the national school cycle; his proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29018/01]
The national educational psychological service, NEPS, which was established in 1999, has responsibility for assessment services. At the time of its establishment, the development plan for NEPS envisaged that it would achieve nationwide coverage by the end of 2004. However, in July of this year the Government approved the accelerated development of NEPS so that it will achieve nationwide coverage by the end of next year, two years ahead of schedule. This decision was taken in order to facilitate more ready access to assessment services by children with special needs. In addition, I have made £1.25 million available to NEPS in the current year to facilitate the engagement of private educational psychologists to conduct assessments where NEPS is not in a position to deliver such services on a timely basis.
Question No. 502 answered with Question No. 495.
