Vol. 470 No. 4
198 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the current provision in relation to educational psychologists in primary schools in County Donegal; and whether an increase in educational psychological facilities for primary schools in County Donegal will be beneficial in view of the fact that 42 per cent of the schools have no remedial facility. [19293/96]
There is currently one psychologist from my Department's psychological service assigned for second-level schools in County Donegal.
As part of the policy outlined in the White Paper on Education it is stated that the psychological service for schools will be expanded. It is envisaged that the provision of this service will be a function of the proposed education boards. In the light of this policy statement it is clear that it is accepted that an increase in the availability of psychological services to schools would be beneficial.
My Department's psychological service was expanded substantially in 1995, when ten additional psychologists were recruited. These psychologists were assigned to primary schools with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. When further development becomes possible the needs of children, and of schools, in various areas, including County Donegal, will be borne in mind.
