Vol. 446 No. 7
185 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the developing crisis in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 which is becoming apparent because of the lack of a psychological service for the children attending this school; the plans, if any, she has to alleviate this situation; and if she will ensure that statutory psychological services are established for schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas. [2886/94]
I understand that there may be difficulty in some primary schools in arranging psychological assessments for pupils who are considered to require them. I have made a commitment to provide a school psychological service to primary schools generally on a gradual basis. The process of recruiting ten additional psychologists is in hand at present. It is hoped that these psychologists will be appointed in the near future and priority will be given to providing a service to schools serving disadvantaged areas. The selection of schools has not yet been made. The needs of the school in question will be considered when the actual areas are being designated.
