Liz McManus
Question:250 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself that children in need of psychological services in primary schools are receiving an adequate service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Schools Psychological Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which psychological assessment is needed in schools at present; the extent to which this need is met; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 250 and 259 together. At present, psychological services for primary schools are provided from within the Health Services.
However, these services are specialised and generally of a multi-disciplinary nature in relation either to the assessment of mental handicap or of severe emotional disturbance.
In order to determine how a general psychological service for primary schools shoud be developed, pilot projects for a psychological service have been established for primary schools in West Tallaght/Clondalkin and South Tipperary. I will consider the further expansion of this service in line with our proposal in the Programme for a Partnership Government following the examination of the report, expected earlier this year, of the independent evaluator appointed to review the operation of this pilot project.
At second level, Department of Education psychologists are available to schools throughout the country to carry out assessments.