Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 3

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

147 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists at his Department and the associated budget for salary, travel and subsistence in 1997 and planned for 1998; and whether this will be separately shown in the 1998 Estimate in view of the plan to establish an independent board to develop this service. [16030/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

There are a total of 36 psychologists employed in my Department at present. The 1997 estimated costs under the headings requested are as follows:

Salary	£1.26 million
Travel/Subsistence	£0.125 million

I am not in a position to supply the planned 1998 figures at this stage as they are still the subject of discussions with the Department of Finance.