Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 5

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Brendan Smith

Question:

133 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to extend the educational psychological service throughout County Cavan; the additional appointments, if any, he will approve in respect of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14123/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware that my Department does not, as yet, provide a psychological service to all primary schools in County Cavan and I realise that there is a need for all school children to have access to this service. For this reason, I announced, on February 11 last, the decision by the Government to establish a national educational psychological service agency. The sum of £1.5 million was made available in last Decembers budget for the initial phase of this measure.

Expansion of the psychological service of this Department has now begun. Advertisements for additional psychologists were placed earlier this month. It is intended to appoint 25 psychologists during 1999. In accordance with the implementation plan for the new agency, it is intended to appoint a further 25 psychologists 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, including County Cavan, in order to set priorities.

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.