Eoin Ryan
Question:164 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Education the number of educational psychologists who are employed to assess children in the Dublin area; and whether they assess both primary and secondary level schools. [6757/97]
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
Of the 36 psychologists employed by my Department at present, 18 work in schools in Dublin city and county. Of these, eight are working in second-level schools, nine are in primary schools, and one psychologist works in both primary and post-primary schools. There are also two senior psychologists employed in a supervisory capacity who are based in Dublin.
These psychologists are available, as resources allow, to assess pupils at both levels. At second-level, all schools have a psychologist assigned to them. At primary level, the Department of Education's service is only available to schools serving disadvantaged areas. In addition, the pilot service established in 1990 in West Tallaght-Clondalkin has been continued as a permanent service.
In addition to the Department of Education's service, the city of Dublin vocational education committee employs four psychologists, one of whom is at senior level, for schools within its scheme and County Dublin vocational committee employs two psychologists for a similar purpose. Psychological services are also provided by the health authorities. For children in national schools, it is the responsibility of the appropriate regional health board director of community care to arrange for psychological intervention where such is deemed necessary. These services are provided in clinical and other settings by the regional health boards. They are also provided by voluntary bodies supported by the health authorities. Information on numbers of clinical psychologists who are working with school pupils would be a matter for the Department of Health.