Frances Fitzgerald
Question:174 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education the current progress in providing a school psychological service at primary school level. [5926/97]
Written Answers. - Psychology Service.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:175 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education the current waiting time after referral for the provision of psychological services to primary school children. [5927/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The Government's White Paper on Education outlines a policy for the expansion of the schools psychological service at both levels. It is envisaged that the provision and development of psychology services for schools will be a function of the education boards. This development will take place on a phased basis.
My Department's provision of a psychological service to primary schools began in 1990 with a pilot project in two designated areas. The designated areas were West Tallaght-Clondalkin and South Tipperary. The purpose of the project was to gain experience of the development and provision of such a service prior to consideration of an extension to primary schools in other areas. Four additional psychologists were employed on temporary contracts in the pilot project. The project completed its pilot phase in September 1993, and was put on a permanent basis in the two areas in early 1994. The four psychologists took up permanent posts in my Department.
A further ten psychologists were appointed by my Department in 1995 in order to allow for the expansion of the psychological service to primary schools. These psychologists were assigned, as a matter of priority, to national schools serving dis advantaged areas in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick. In addition, the national schools in the original pilot project continue to have access to the psychological service. Any further expansion will take place in the context of Government decisions on public sector numbers.
In those areas where there is a psychology service provided to primary schools by my Department, pupils, parents and teachers have access to the service through the school principal. The psychologists 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 school's psychologists give priorty to pupils whose difficulties are perceived to be acute, and to not operate a formal waiting list. Such pupils may therefore be seen without undue delay. Where necessary, the schools psychologists refer pupils to the appropriate specialist agencies of the health authorities for further assessment and treatment.