Written Answers - Psychological Service.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
186
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the degree to which psychological assessment is available in first and second level schools; the plans if any, he has to augment this service in line with documented and requested requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20923/98]
All second level schools in the country are assigned to one of the psychologists employed by my Department. Nineteen psychologists are currently engaged in the post-primary sector.
The service to primary schools is still in the development stage. All schools designated as disadvantaged in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick and all schools in County Tipperary South Riding are assigned to one of my Department's psychologists. During the past year, it has been possible to expand the psychological service to primary schools. There are now 27 psychologists working in the primary sector. Between 20 and 30 schools in each of the following counties has been added to the list of those served: Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Sligo, Tipperary North Riding and Wicklow.
The psychologists try to provide a balance between individual casework, including assessment work, and general support and development work in schools. They engage in casework as the resources of time and personnel allow.
I am aware that all the needs for assessments may not be met at present. It is my intention that all schools should have ready access to a psychological service through the establishment of a national educational psychological service which will be available to all primary and secondary schools as well as to pre-school children. Plans for this service are included in the Programme for Government.
The report of the planning group for this service has now been completed. I launched it publicly on 15 September. The planning group set up a technical working group to provide a detailed examination of the current availability of psychological services to children and young people and of the estimated needs for such services. The report of the planning group includes recommendations as to the developments that will be necessary in order to ensure effective provision in all areas. I have now set up an implementation group in my Department to plan the phased expansion of the psychological service to all schools.
