Vol. 509 No. 1
336 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding schools' psychological assessments in respect of primary schools in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19546/99]
Psychological assessments by educational psychologists are not yet provided for pupils in primary schools in County Laois. The National Educational Psychological Service Agency was established on the 1 September 1999 and recruitment of additional psychologists to the service is currently taking place. The development of the new service is taking place on a phased basis. It is envisaged that all schools will have access to agency psychologists by the end of a five year period. As additional psychologists are recruited, the needs of schools in all areas of the country, including County Laois, will be considered when allocating schools to them.
One of the issues being considered by the agency is how interim support may be provided to students and schools that do not yet have access to the psychologists employed by the agency. My Department is currently in discussion with the Department of Health and Children in relation to the undertaking by the health boards of urgent psychological assessments during the development phase of the National Educational Psychological Service.
