Vol. 473 No. 4
361 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education her views regarding the case made by the parish of Lower Ballyfermot in Dublin 10 for the introduction of psychological, counselling and speech language services in the three primary schools in the parish, St. Michael's St. Raphael's and St. Gabriel's; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1291/97]
There has been a psychologist available from my Department to the schools referred to in the question since the beginning of the current academic year. Pupils, parents and teachers have access to this service through the relevant school principal. The schools have been contacted by the psychologist concerned.
Members of my Department's psychological service who are deployed in primary schools carry out assessments as the resources of time and personnel allow. In addition, they engage in a certain amount of casework with those pupils and parents who would benefit from counselling in the school situation. The psychologists also provide advice to remedial and class teachers in relation to pupils who may have mild speech and language difficulties. This advice is now available to the schools mentioned.
Where learning, emotional or linguistic difficulties are perceived to be more serious, the psychologists refer pupils to the appropriate specialist agencies of the health authorities. Parents also have access to these agencies through the school service or the family doctor.
