Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
433. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will outline, in relation to a specific case (details supplied), the reason a psychologist has not been allocated by NEPS, despite the requests of their school; and whether a psychologist from a different area will be allocated. [47318/23]
View answer434. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education whether the NEPS area including a particular school (details supplied), does not have any psychologists appointed; and what geographic area and how many schools are included in this area. [47319/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 434 together.
My Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary and special schools.
The NEPS service provides access for all schools to:
• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools and
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools.
Where a school does not have an assigned psychologist due to a vacancy as in the case referred to by the Deputy, a psychologist from the local NEPS team undertakes the role of advisory psychologist to respond to queries that the school may have. In relation to the school referred to, I understand that the Principal has been in touch with the local NEPS office for support.
