417 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the consideration, if any, he will give to the appointment of a resource teacher for the school year 1999-2000 for Scoil Aonghusa Senior in Balrothery, Tallaght, Dublin 24, in view of the reduction in staffing numbers for the next school year and the fact that this school has disadvantaged status; if he will respond positively to the request made by the school authorities for improvements in the psychological services and for the appointment of a resource teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15098/99]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
The school in question has recently made application to my Department for the appointment of a resource teacher. The case put forward by the school is currently being examined by my Department's inspectorate in order to determine the level of support required to cater for pupils with special needs attending the school. A decision will be made on the school's application as soon as the inspector's report is received.
The level of psychological service provided by my Department to Scoil Aonghusa has unfortunately been reduced during the current school year due to an unforeseen career break. It has not been possible to provide a substitute psychologist immediately. However, I share the Deputy's concern that a full psychological service should be restored to the school as soon as possible.
The new national educational psychological service agency will shortly be formally established. My Department is in the process of recruiting 25 additional psychologists who will take up their appointments during the school year 1999-2000. One of the priorities for the deployment of these additional psychologists will be the restoration of the psychological service in any area where it has been temporarily cut back.