Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
479 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether there is a need for behavioural therapists to support primary and post-primary schools in tackling issues of behaviour, youth suicide, discipline and other related issues; the cost to her Department to provide one behavioural therapist to every two primary and post primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30215/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues of behaviour, youth suicide, and discipline are so complex that they are unlikely to be addressed by the introduction of one particular kind of professional intervention. The problems need to be addressed at whole school, class and individual pupil levels, as well as by collaborative interventions in the wider education, health, justice and welfare systems to ensure easy access to therapeutic services for children and young people. As regards the employment of behaviour therapists, a more practical solution would be to ensure guidance counsellors, support teachers and pastoral staff who are in schools have access to appropriate training and support that will enable them to deal with the difficulties mentioned by the Deputy.
Schools may request support from the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, on suicide and, if necessary, NEPS refers children and young people on to therapeutic services in the health sector. NEPS has also produced a resource pack for schools that helps them to plan a response to critical incidents and, in some areas, psychologists have arranged meetings on this subject for guidance counsellors and other groups of teachers.
With regard to the cost of providing one behaviour therapist to every two schools, it is difficult to get a precise estimate because of variations in the pay scales in different settings. The pay for a recruitment grade therapist at the bottom of the scale ranges from approximately €27,000 to €32,000 and, therefore, providing one to every two schools would cost approximately €50 million. However, it would be more appropriate and effective to support services available to schools.
