The national educational psychological service agency is a dedicated executive agency of my Department. When the agency was established, it was agreed that it would expand in an orderly and phased way, beginning in 1999. My Department is committed to ensuring that it is appropriately supported in all areas in order to enable it to deliver a quality educational psychological service.
I understand that intensive discussions are ongoing between NEPS, my Department and, where appropriate, the Office of Public Works, with the objective of developing and implementing strategies aimed at meeting the needs of NEPS in the areas referred to by the Deputy. My Department will continue to facilitate the achievement of that objective.