Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2012
74. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the details of any work practices negotiated under the terms of the Croke Park Agreement with the National Educational Psychological Service psychologists through their union; the date on which such changes were implemented; the savings that resulted from any changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43630/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) was established in 1999 it had a ten region structure and it was envisaged that these regions would be managed by a Regional Director.
In mid 2010 there were four vacancies at Regional Director level at the service and my Department entered into discussions with the NEPS IMPACT branch with a view to filling the vacant regional director posts and revising the regional structure of the Service with a view to in future operating out of an eight rather than ten region structure in order to realise savings.
Agreement to this effect was reached with IMPACT in November 2010 which resulted in two regional director posts in effect being suppressed. NEPS Management entered into discussions with the Regional Directors of the service which culminated in agreement being reached for a redistribution of schools to reflect the new structure.
The estimated savings amounts to approximately €200,000 per annum based on the average salary for the posts concerned. My Department is committed to seeking opportunities for further savings and enhanced service delivery during the lifetime of the Public Service Agreement.
