Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 4

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Brendan Smith

Question:

219 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the inadequate psychological service available at primary school level in County Cavan; the proposals, if any, she has to appoint additional psychologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5113/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

At present, the lead responsibility for the psychological assessment of children in national schools, where such is deemed necessary, is a matter for the regional health boards through the appropriate director of community care. Expansion of this provision is a matter for the Department of Health and the regional health boards.

It is my intention that there should eventually be a schools psychological service provided for all children in schools. For this reason, there is a policy statement concerning this matter in the Government White Paper on Education, which envisages the expansion of my Department's psychological service on a phased basis. The provision of the service is seen as a function of the new education boards.

The schools psychological service at primary level is being introduced gradually by my Department as resources permit. This is currently provided for certain named schools which serve disadvantaged areas in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick, in addition to the original pilot service in west Tallaght-Clondalkin and in south Tipperary. The service is not available in County Cavan.

Due to the need to limit public expenditure, it has not been possible to expand my Department's psychological service further in the recent past. It will, necessarily, be some time before the Department of Education is in a position to take over responsibility for psychological assessments for educational purposes from the health authorities.

As and when it becomes possible to extend the schools psychological service, the needs of children and of schools in various areas, including County Cavan, will be borne in mind.