Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
479. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education if parents of children with disability/educational/psychological assessments who pay for such assessments privately to try and overcome a public service waiting list for such an assessment, can recoup the costs of such an assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27120/23]
View answerIn common with many other psychological services and best international practice the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of the Department of Education delivers 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, NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
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. The NEPS model does not operate on a waiting list basis as schools prioritise those students with most need. Additional supports for children with special educational needs are embedded in all primary and post primary schools. Schools allocate their Special Education Teaching and SNA supports based on need in the school setting, so that those with highest level of need can access the highest level of support within the school in a timely manner. 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. Under the model set out above the Department does not refund the costs of private assessments.
