Vol. 475 No. 3
95 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the North-Eastern Health Board does not provide an educational psychology service in the Louth South Monaghan Community Care area; the steps, if any, she will take to ensure that a child (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be provided with this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4811/97]
The psychological service provided by my Department is available to a limited number of national schools, with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. Any extension of the service provided by my Department must take place on a phased basis, as resources become available for the purpose.
Fourteen psychologists have been appointed by my Department in order to develop a psychological service for primary schools. These psychologists provide a service to primary schools in the two areas which were part of the pilot project for the development of a psychological service at primary level, west Tallaght-Clondalkin and south Tipperary. In addition, there is a service to primary schools serving disadvantaged areas in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Given the current level of staffing, it is not possible at present to offer this service in other areas. The service is not available in Counties Louth or Monaghan.
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. Consequently, the issue of when a psychological assessment may be arranged for the child referred to in the question is a matter for the regional health board.
