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Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. today congratulated the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) on its 20 year anniversary since its establishment.

Minister McHugh said:

NEPS plays an absolutely pivotal role in supporting the needs of young people in our schools. I know that the service they provide every day is highly valued by teachers and schools.

In addition to providing support to schools, NEPS is centrally involved in the development and implementation of the Department’s policies in relation to special education and social inclusion. 

NEPS has also taken a lead role in the development of the Department’s Wellbeing Policy and Framework for Practice (2018-2023). This recognises the important role that schools play in promoting the wellbeing of young people. 

NEPS is hosting its annual conference this week with the theme is Towards 2020 and Beyond: Wellbeing, Creativity and Psychology. Paul Collard, chief executive of Creativity, Culture & Education will provide a key note address at the conference in Athlone. 

In 1999 when NEPS was first established it had 40 psychologists. This has grown to a sanctioned 204 psychologists to provide a service to schools across the country.

In a message to delegates attending the conference Minister McHugh congratulated NEPS on reaching such an important milestone.

I would like to note your emphasis on inclusion, and how your work contributes to meaningful inclusion for those on the margins,

the Minister said.

The emphasis on wellbeing in your work and the focus on inclusion of the student voice in wellbeing is particularly important.