Vol. 568 No. 6
205 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made towards the implementation of recommendation number one of the report of the action group on access to third level education that the NEPS implement a balance of 65% casework and 35% for support and development work for educational psychologists; the discussions which have taken place around the issue; and when he expects the recommendations to be implemented. [17035/03]
226 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made towards the implementation of recommendation number 30 of the report of the action group on access to third level education that appropriate linkages are put in place between the structures to emerge from the planning group, the NEPS and the national office to ensure an effective and coherent service to students with disabilities; the discussions which have taken place around the issue; and when he expects the recommendation to be implemented. [17056/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 226 together.
The national educational psychological service, NEPS, business planning and reporting process incorporates the objective of achieving a balance of at least 35% support and development work and 65% case work in schools for each psychologist. My Department understands that NEPS has made good progress towards achieving that balance.
On its establishment, NEPS set up a joint working group with representatives of the health boards. During 2002, this working group completed a report, "Achieving through Partnership", which is a template for action plans for collaboration at national, regional and local levels. The report has been presented to the management committee of NEPS and the chief executive officers and programme managers of the health boards. They have nominated members of a national steering committee, with a view to effecting implementation of the report. This collaboration will contribute greatly to ensuring coherence of services to students with disabilities.
The National Council for Special Education, when established, will have the overall remit of ensuring a seamless service for children and young people with disabilities. Representatives of the council and of NEPS have already engaged in discussions to clarify their respective roles and responsibilities and will establish mechanisms for ensuring effective collaboration.
