Shortage of educational psychologists means almost one in five positions currently vacant

Not all schools have an assigned educational psychologist this year, education minister confirms

'Children should not have to wait longer for support because the State has failed to recruit and retain sufficient professionals.' File picture

Almost one in five positions in a key psychology service tasked with supporting students' learning, behaviour, social and emotional development is currently vacant.

Due to a national shortage of suitably qualified educational psychologists, not all schools have an assigned educational psychologist this year, the education minister confirmed.

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all schools. There are currently 242 educational psychologists employed in NEPS, and 56 vacancies in key posts. 

Schools without an assigned educational psychologist are supported by NEPS through the advisory support service, Hildegarde Naughton said in response to a recent parliamentary question.

"All schools continue to have support in the event of a critical incident through the local NEPS office and have access to training and support from NEPS for school staff," Ms Naughton said.

The figures were released in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin's education spokesperson Darren O’Rourke. “The fact that almost one in five posts are vacant shows a very significant staffing gap in a service that is vital to supporting children with additional educational needs," Mr O'Rourke said. 

"Children should not have to wait longer for support because the State has failed to recruit and retain sufficient professionals. Early intervention is essential. The minister must ensure that NEPS has the staffing and resources required to meet the needs of children and schools across Ireland.”

Through the NEPS advisory support service, schools can access support and advice from a NEPS psychologist, Ms Naughton said. 

"The educational psychologist can provide advice and support and, where the need is established, can sanction an assessment through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools can contact the service as needed throughout the school year." 

The Department of Education is making every effort to recruit additional educational psychologists to address the shortage, she added. 

"Public Jobs recently concluded a recruitment campaign for the recruitment of educational psychologists, and educational psychologists from that panel will join NEPS over the coming months." 

The department is also supporting a number of bursaries for educational psychologists, which include trainee placements in the service.