Vol. 496 No. 7
287 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will provide the services of a child psychologist to national schools in south Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23987/98]
One of my key priorities as Minister is the establishment of a national educational psychological service. Earlier this year, my Department recruited 15 educational psychologists for the purpose of expanding the psychological service to primary schools. One of these psychologists has been assigned to certain primary schools in County Kerry.
On 15 September last, I launched and endorsed the report of the planning group, which has prepared recommendations for me on how a national educational psychological service may best be introduced. Subject to the approval of Government, implementation of the report will begin in 1999. It is not possible to meet all the needs in all areas at the same time, so a phased expansion of the service is necessary. It is my intention that there will be an educational psychological service available to all schools by the end of the five-year implementation phase.
I am aware that there are inevitably many schools in County Kerry which do not yet have access to my Departments psychological service. Attention will be paid to the needs of all areas as the psychological service is expanded.
