Vol. 471 No. 6
42 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education the number of education psychologists currently employed by her Department; the plans, if any, she has for the recruitment of additional staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21200/96]
58 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she is taking to expand the schools psychological service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21191/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 58 together.
My Department employs a total of 37 inspectors of guidance-psychologists. Psychological and guidance inspection services have been provided to second level schools for a number of years. In 1990 four psychologists were appointed to work on a pilot project in primary schools. A further ten psychologists were appointed in 1995 to initiate a Department of Education psychological service for primary schools. These are assigned, as a matter of priority, to schools serving disadvantaged areas. Any expansion of this service will take place as resources permit in the context of Government decisions on public sector numbers.
