Vol. 557 No. 1
279 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if the needs of St. Patrick's boys' national school will be met within a reasonable time, in view of the need under the NEPS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21232/02]
The terms of the Government decision to establish the national educational psychological service – NEPS – in 1999, provided for a gradual expansion to full strength over a five-year period. Following the appointment of a number of additional psychologists during this term, I am happy to inform the Deputy that the NEPS will be extended to include St Patrick's boys' national school, Wicklow, within a matter of weeks.
Because of the needs identified in the school and as an interim measure, the NEPS regional director for the east coast region authorised management of the school to commission four assessments during the first half of this school term, under the terms of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments. I understand that school management is satisfied with this arrangement.
