Ray Burke
Question:501 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the need for a psychological service for children attending primary schools; and the proposals, if any, she has to provide such a service.
Written Answers. - Psychological Service for Primary Schools.
At present certain psychological services for primary schools are provided through the appropriate health boards. The Programme for a Partnership Government envisages the expansion of the psychological service to cover the whole primary sector to ensure that every child with learning or behavioural difficulties has access to help at the earliest stage.
The development of a psychological service for the primary sector will take into account the results of a three year pilot project which commenced on 1 September 1990. It is operating in two areas, one urban, West Tallaght/Clondalkin and one mainly rural, South Tipperary. An independent evaluator has been appointed to assess the project.