Jimmy Deenihan
Question:81 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education when he intends to expand the present inadequate psychological service to the whole country.
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
Psychological assessment and related services, in respect of suspected mental handicaps or severe emotional problems, may be arranged for pupils in national schools via the community care services of the regional health boards. The provision of such services is a matter for the health authorities.
There are 28 psychologists employed in the Psychological Service of my Department and a fruther psychologist is to be appointed shortly.
Six of these psychologists work on a pilot project concerned with the development of a psychological service to primary schools in two areas, West Tallaght/Clondalkin and South Tipperary. The other psychologists work in the post-primary sector throughout the country.
The project in primary schools began its three year pilot phase in September 1990 and the question of extending such psychological services will be considered when this pilot phase is ended.