Vol. 459 No. 7
12 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Education the outcome of the pilot projects on psychological services in Tallaght and Clondalkin in Dublin and South Tipperary; and the proposals, if any, she has to extend these projects. [18772/95]
The three year pilot project involving the provision of a psychological service to primary schools ended in September 1993. I am awaiting the report of the external evaluator for the project. Meanwhile, the psychological service to primary schools, in both areas, has been continued and was established on a permanent basis in early 1994.
During 1995 ten additional psychologists have been recruited by my Department to improve access to psychological services in schools. In assigning these psychologists to work in primary schools priority was given to schools serving disadvantaged areas in locations outside the original pilot areas.
In accordance with Government policy set out in the White Paper on Education and in the Government of Renewal document I propose to continue the expansion of the psychological service as resources become available to my Department for that purpose.
