Austin Deasy
Question:35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that an educational psychologist is appointed to Waterford city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15515/99]
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
At present, two of the educational psychologists employed by my Department provide a psychological service to all second level schools in the city and county of Waterford. I am aware that my Department does not, as yet, provide a psychological service to primary schools in the county 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 December's budget for the initial phase of this measure.
Expansion of the psychological service of this Department has now begun. Additional posts for psychologists were advertised last month. It is intended to appoint 25 additional psychologists during 1999 and, in accordance with the implementation plan for the new agency, 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 the city and county of Waterford, 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.