Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 10

Written Answers. - Schools Psychological Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

14 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the degree to which she will improve the psychological assessment service to the various schools throughout the country in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

As the Deputy is aware, a psychological service which carries out individual assessments is at present provided by the health boards throughout the country. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Health, has made considerable progress in improving these services for children and adolescents.

My Department's psychological service carries out individual assessments in post-primary schools to the extent possible within resources. In the school year 1991-92, the number of such assessments was 935. The service estimates that the figure for the school year 1992-93 was approximately the same.

The Programme for a Partnership Government proposed the expansion of the psychological service to cover the primary sector, and to ensure that every child with learning or behaviourial difficulties has access to help at the earliest stage.

A pilot project for the establishment of such a service for primary schools has been conducted in the West Tallaght/ Clondalkin and South Tipperary areas. A report on the project by an external evaluator is expected early in 1994. When this report has been received, I will be in a position to consider the possibilities for the future development of the service.