Michael Bell
Question:14 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education the proposals she has to provide a proper primary school psychological service in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary Schools Psychological Service.
As the Deputy is aware I established a primary schools psychological service pilot project last September. This pilot project is operating in two areas, one urban in Tallaght/ Clondalkin, and one mainly rural, in South Tipperary. It is intended that these projects will operate for three years and will be evaluated by an external evaluator.
These were the terms under which all agreed to the setting up of the psychological service. The teachers and all the professionals involved for 15 years had made representations on this matter. It was decided that two pilot projects would be established, one urban and one rural, that they would run for three years and would then be evaluated.
Following the evaluation I will be discussing the matter further with all the interested parties.
Can the Minister indicate when approximately the effects of the pilot scheme will be seen in County Louth?
I cannot say precisely when the effects of the scheme will be seen in County Louth. What I am clear about are the terms under which we set up the pilot projects which were to run for three years and which would have a monitoring and an advisory committee composed of the professionals involved. A full study will then be made. This is the correct procedure for development work. It is run for a specified period, monitored and then evaluated. On that basis our decisions will be taken as to dissemination and, hopefully, further provision.