Vol. 505 No. 1
250 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the appointment of a psychologist to cover the remainder of the schools in north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13128/99]
I am aware that my Department does not, as yet, provide a psychological service to all primary schools in County Kildare and I share the Deputy's concern about this matter. However, on 11 February last, I announced the decision by the Government to establish a national educational psychological service agency. The sum of £1.5 million was made available in last December's budget for the initial phase of this measure.
The national educational psychological service will be organised in close consultation with the Department of Health and Children, whose clinical services will also continue to provide help for families and children. Expansion of the psychological service of this Department will start shortly. Twenty-five additional posts for psychologists have now been advertised and further recruitment will take place during the year 2000. It is envisaged that all schools will have access to the psychological service at the end of a five-year period, and it is hoped that there will be the nucleus of a psychological service in every county by the end of 1999.
Decisions on the assignments of the additional psychologists will be made later in the year. Priority for the expansion of the psychological service will be given to those areas with a high incidence of educational disadvantage and with little access to other psychological services. My Department is therefore currently examining the needs and resources in all areas in order to set priorities.
