Dermot Ahern
Question:153 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to extend the school psychological service to the north-east area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10988/96]
Written Answers. - School Psychological Service.
There is a service from my Department's psychological service available to second-level schools in the north-east area. The psychological service for primary schools from my Department is in a limited number of areas at present, with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. These areas are in Dublin, Cork city, Limerick city and south Tipperary, the last being one of the two pilot areas where a psychological service to primary schools was developed. The service has not been extended to primary schools in other areas yet.
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 board 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 schools in various areas, including the north-east, will be borne in mind.