Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 8

Written Answers. - School Psychological Services.

Micheál Martin

Question:

35 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education when the ten educational psychologist posts that were to be filled this year will be filled; and the timescale for the implementation of the recommendations in the White Paper on Education to fill 50 such posts in our education system. [16448/95]

Hugh Byrne

Question:

37 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education when the ten educational psychologist posts that were to be filled this year will be filled; and the timescale for the implementation of the recommendations in the White Paper on Education to fill 50 such posts in our education system. [16447/95]

Michael Ahern

Question:

43 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Education when the ten educational psychologist posts that were to be filled this year will be filled; and the timescale for the implementation of the recommendations in the White Paper on Education to fill 50 such posts in our education system. [16443/95]

Ben Briscoe

Question:

47 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Education when the ten educational psychologist posts that were to be filled this year will be filled; and the timescale for the implementation of the recommendations in the White Paper on Education to fill 50 such posts in our education system. [16445/95]

John Browne

Question:

50 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Education when the ten educational psychologist posts that were to be filled this year will be filled; and the timescale for the implementation of the recommendations in the White Paper on Education to fill 50 such posts in our education system. [16446/95]

Matt Brennan

Question:

55 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Education when the ten educational psychologist posts that were to be filled this year will be filled; and the timescale for the implementation of the recommendations in the White Paper on Education to fill 50 such posts in our education system. [16444/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 37, 43, 47, 50 and 55, together.

During the current year, 1995, ten additional psychologists were appointed by my Department in order to improve access to psychological services in schools.

This is in accordance with the terms of the policy documentA Government of Renewal and the White Paper Charting our Education Future. While exact numbers or time-scales have not been specified in the White Paper my intention is to progressively expand the Psychological Service on a phased basis as resources become available to my Department. My purpose is to ensure that, as stated in the White Paper, every child with learning or behaviourial difficulties has access to help at the earliest possible stage.