The person concerned was not assessed by a NEPS psychologist but by a private practitioner who conducted the assessment under the terms of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments. The application for additional resources for the person was made in respect of specific learning disability or dyslexia. Pupils with this type of disability are most effectively helped through the learning support programme in their schools. In a small number of cases, pupils whose assessment results indicate that they have severe dyslexia may be eligible for additional resource hours. The criteria for this additional resource are very stringent.
In this particular case, the psychologist who carried out the assessment stated in her report that the pupil did not meet the criteria for a specific learning disability as determined by the Department. She provided helpful, detailed recommendations for the content of the remedial programme that should be provided for the pupil. This programme is of the kind that is normally undertaken by learning support teachers and my Department has therefore concluded that learning support is the appropriate intervention in this case.
