Michael Ring
Question:314 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can be assessed immediately before he commences school in September 2001. [17860/01]
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
The national educational psychological service – NEPS – of my Department has responsibility for the assessment of children in primary schools. As soon as the child in question commences primary school, he will be listed for assessment by a psychologist from NEPS and a full investigation of his educational needs will be made.
Assessment of children prior to their entry to primary school is the responsibility of the relevant health board or the voluntary bodies working under their aegis. The special education section of my Department is happy to accept assessment reports completed by health board psychologists when considering applications from schools and/or parents for additional teaching support and other resources.