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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

456 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce a national psychological service for all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18831/97]

Proposals for the establishment of a national educational psychological service were included in the programme for Government. I intend that this service will extend to all schools as well as to preschool children and to students who drop out of school at late primary or early second level. A planning group has been set up and has begun its work. It is to submit a report to me early in 1998.

Meanwhile, as an interim measure, my Department is now organising, in co-operation with Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick, a development project for the expansion of the psychological service to primary schools. Applications have been invited, by way of open competition, for 15 educational psychologists on a three year contract, and the selection process has begun. The successful applicants will work in teams organised on a regional basis by my Department's psychological service.
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