Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 May 2024
82. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education for clarification on a matter (details supplied); if changes will be implemented to improve services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24190/24]
View answerThe National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is part of the Department of Education. NEPS provides a comprehensive, school-based educational psychological service to all primary, post primary schools and special schools. Through the application of psychological theory and practice, NEPS psychologists support the wellbeing, and the academic, social and emotional development of all learners. NEPS has particular regard for children with special educational needs (SEN) and those at risk of educational disadvantage. In the event that the need for a more targeted counselling or a specialised intervention is identified by the NEPS psychologist, a referral is made to an outside agency for evaluation and ongoing support. The NEPS psychologist can identify the most appropriate referral pathway and supports schools 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.
NEPS’ Support and Development work involves the provision of applied psychology services for teachers and school communities to build and maximise their capacity to respond to the needs of all students and those with particular needs.
The Department has been examining the matter of how NEPS can continue to recruit adequate numbers of suitably qualified psychologists and continue to respond to the educational psychological needs of children in recognised schools across the country in both primary and post-primary settings.
Since January of 2023, NEPS is supporting bursaries for students who are enrolled in the University College Dublin (UCD) Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and the Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology for Trainee Educational Psychologists. Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) undertook a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists in late 2023. Interviews have taken place and appointments will commence shortly.
There are currently 225 whole-time equivalent NEPS educational psychologists employed across the 8 NEPS regions. All employees of NEPS are civil servants. Under the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, civil servants may not at any time engage in, or be connected with, any outside business or activity which would in any way conflict with the interests of their Departments. Whole-time civil servants whose duties are of a professional character including psychologists must not engage in private practice in their professions.
