THE EDUCATIONAL psychological services are assisting schools “in response to a number of tragedies in Kildare”, according to the Department of Education.
It is understood that six adolescent and teenage girls who attended a number of different schools in the county have died in the past 12 months.
A spokesman for the Department of Education said information, advice and support were being provided to affected parents and families, school students and staff, and the wider school community.
“The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has been supporting schools in response to a number of tragedies in Kildare,” he said.
The spokesman said NEPS was working with school management and staff to implement a systematic plan for responding to the events. NEPS was also working in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and relevant local voluntary agencies, he said.
A spokeswoman for the HSE said: “Obviously we are acutely aware of the situation and there are supports there.
“The HSE works with the Department of Education to assist parents and students with support services such as counselling.”
A Garda spokesman said deaths were being investigated for the purpose of presentation at the Coroner’s Court.
One school in Kildare has posted a statement on its website saying that the school community was “united in grief after the recent untimely death of our pupil”. The statement acknowledged the support of services and individuals “in helping the community start to come to terms with this tragedy”.
It also appealed for privacy “so that we can continue helping the children and families of our school cope with the aftermath of this terrible loss”.
INTO general secretary John Carr said teachers played an ongoing role in supporting children dealing with tragedy, “well beyond the immediate days and weeks that follow a critical incident”.
He said teachers all over the country had praised the “excellent support” given by NEPS. “Child psychologists from the service provide specific advice and help to teachers who can then help the pupils. When teachers receive information and support, they can be important agents of recovery, dispelling rumour and encouraging coping.
“But teachers do not engage in therapy and the skills used by psychologists. The role of schools varies but involves teachers monitoring children’s performance, behaviour and morale closely.”
