asked the Minister for Education if she will indicate in relation to the schools psychological service (a) the numbers of psychologists employed (b) the location and grades of such psychologists (c) the duties and functions of such psychologists and (d) the plans she has for the extension and development of the service.
Written Answers. - Schools Psychological Service.
69.
There are 25 psychologists employed in the Psychological Service of the Department of Education, three of whom are on the grade of Senior Psychologist. The psychologists are located as follows: Dublin 13, Cork 14, Galway 3 and one in each of the following locations, Drogheda, Sligo, Limerick, Portlaoise, Wexford.
The following are the duties and functions of the psychologists: To monitor, advise on and support the provision of guidance and remedial education in post primary schools. To assess pupils with psychological or educational difficulties as requested and to advise parents, schools and teachers accordingly. To advise schools and teachers on the provision for exceptional children e.g. the disabled, the disadvantaged. To provide teacher in-service training e.g. basic training in remedial education as well as short term in-service training for teachers. In addition to the above, the psychologists contribute to the development of various programmes, such as vocational preparation and training courses. They also contribute to the development of social and personal programmes for pupils, e.g. drugs and substance abuse education. They engage in research and development of educational materials. They contribute to the development of programmes to promote equality of opportunity for girls and boys. An extension of the service is not envisaged in present circumstances but the role and functions of the psychologist are being developed continuously in response to the changing needs of pupils, of schools and of education generally.