Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 6

Written Answers. - Schools Psychological Services.

Brian Cowen

Question:

84 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the provision of psychological services in the County Offaly area for children attending national schools in view of constant and previous representations which have been made; the other counties that are without psychological services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5238/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

It has not proved possible as yet to provide a psychological service from my Department to national schools in the County Offaly area. The Department of Education psychological service to national schools is in a limited number of areas, with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. These areas are in Dublin, Cork city, Limerick city and south Tipperary, this last being one of the two pilot areas where a psychological service for national schools was developed. The service has not been extended to areas in other counties at present.

In general, the responsibility for the psychological assessment of children in national schools where such is deemed necessary, is a matter for the regional health boards through the appropriate director of community care. It will be some time before the psychological service from my Department will be in a position to take over responsibility for psychological assessment for educational purposes from the health boards.

When further expansion of the Department of Education's psychological service becomes possible the needs of children and of schools in various areas, including County Offaly, will be borne in mind.