Vol. 463 No. 8
117 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education her policy on the availability of psychological assessment for pupils in national schools in view of her Department's response in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7413/96]
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. Parents may access this service through the school medical service or the family doctor.
In accordance with the policy outlined in the programme for a Government of Renewal, to increase access to psychological services, and bearing in mind the policy statement in the White Paper on Education, to develop psychological services to schools as a function of the proposed education boards, consideration is being given by my Department to the development of psychological services to schools, including national schools. As a result of the recruitment of ten additional psychologists in 1995, the Department of Education psychological service is in a limited number of areas, with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. The school referred to in the Deputy's question is not served by the Department's psychological service at present. It will take some time before the psychological service provided by my Department will be in a position to take over responsibility for psychological assessment for educational purposes from the health boards.
