Psychologists concerned over assessment fees

THE Government’s failure to raise the fees it pays for psychological assessments is making it harder for schools to access resources for pupils with special needs, it has been claimed.

Only half the country’s primary schools have direct access to the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), whose staff assess the requirements of children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

In response to criticism of this figure last week, the Department of Education said schools can access private assessments. But the fee for psychologists has not been increased since the scheme for commissioning private assessments was introduced five years ago.

Where a school has a private assessment carried out for a pupil, NEPS will pay €330 per assessment, subject to withholding of tax, leaving a net payment of €264. The fee does not include or allow expenses for travel, test materials or subsistence incurred as part of the work.

Professor Des Swan, chairman of the Psychological Society of Ireland’s educational division, said psychologists are concerned.

“There are legal aspects to assessments because of growing fears of litigation, and the time needed for each assessment is rising ... These demands on the psychologists are increasing and it would lead people ask if it is worthwhile taking this work in view of the unchanged rate.”

A Department of Education spokeswoman acknowledged the rate has not risen since 2001 but said matters such as this are kept under review. She said officials have no evidence of schools having trouble getting psychological assessments.

Irish National Teachers’ Organisation general secretary John Carr said failing to pay a proper rate is adversely affecting the availability of psychologists to schools.

“The Department of Education must ensure that every child, regardless of where they go to school, should have access to an educational psychologist on the basis of need.”