Vol. 512 No. 1
54 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for the extension of the school psychology service in view of the fact that only one primary school received a service and estimates that up to 90,000 pupils would benefit from a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25364/99]
58 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in the expansion of the psychological service. [25231/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 58 together.
All post-primary schools in the country have access to the National Educational Psychological Service Agency. Approximately 700 primary schools also have access to the service. The management of the agency is currently drawing up a development plan for the phased expansion of its service. The Civil Service Commission has completed interviews for an additional 25 psychologists and has also completed the short-listing process for a further 25 psychologists. The successful applicants from the first competition will begin to take up their positions early in the new year. The interviews for the second group will also commence shortly. It is envisaged that all schools will have access to the psychological service by the end of a five-year developmental period beginning in 1999.
