Vol. 463 No. 8
112 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the content of a recent survey in County Offaly undertaken by the National Association for Parent Support, referring to the need to provide a comprehensive scheme of remedial teaching facilities at primary school level together with associate psychological services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7366/96]
120 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education when a remedial teacher will be appointed to serve three national schools (details supplied) in County Cork. [7514/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 120 together. I have not received a copy of the survey referred to by the Deputy. I am not in a position at present to make remedial teacher posts available to primary schools. I will continue to review needs in this area and consider how best these needs can be addressed within available resources. The needs of all schools, including the schools referred to by the Deputy, will be considered within this context.
My Department's psychological service to primary schools operates in a limited number of areas at present. Priority is given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. It is hoped to extend this service over time. However, it is not currently possible to extend the service to primary schools in County Offaly.
In general, responsibility for the psychological assessment of children in primary schools is a matter for the relevant health board through the appropriate director of community care. It will be some time before the psychological service of my Department will be in a position to take over responsibility for psychological assessment for educational purposes from the health boards.
