Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
95. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education to outline the work conducted by the National Education Psychological Service (NEPS) in schools in Dublin 1 since November 2023; the number of therapy sessions provided by NEPS by each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6345/24]
View answerThe National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of my Department provides a school-based psychological service to all recognised primary and post-primary schools nationally through the application of psychological theory and practice to support the wellbeing, and the academic, social and emotional development of all learners.
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
• 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.
In the event that a student has a need for more targeted counselling or a specialised intervention, a referral is made to an outside agency. The NEPS psychologist can identify the most appropriate referral pathway and supports school with the onward referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team (CAMHS), HSE Primary Care/Community Psychology teams, or an identified local community based specialist mental health service.
Dublin 1 is part of the NEPS Dublin region. All primary and post primary schools in the Dublin region have access to the NEPS service outlined above.
In addition to the NEPS service, as part of the North East Inner City (NEIC) City-Connects project, 10 primary schools have access to an enhanced NEPS service as part of the NEIC Multi-Disciplinary Team (NEIC MDT), which is an interagency team with NEPS and the HSE working directly in these schools. These schools have additional time with their NEPS psychologist.
