asked the Minister for Education his present policy regarding the employment of psychologists as assessors for identifying pupils who need remedial or special education attention.
Written Answers. - Psychological Assessment.
248.
The identification of pupils in need of remedial education is primarily the responsibility of the teaching staff of the school, who may consult with and seek the assistance of my Department's inspectors and psychologists.
Special provision is made for the education of children who are mentally handicapped, physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed, visually impaired, hearing impaired or multiply handicapped. A child who is deemed to be in need of special education should have a medical, social and psychological assessment in order to ascertain his specific educational needs. These assessments are normally provided by arrangement with the appropriate health board and with the consent of the parents.
Parents may arrange to have their children assessed privately if they so wish.