Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

768 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide funding for a psychologist to carry out assessments on pupils in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1624/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

Currently, all second level schools in County Roscommon have access to the National Educational Psychological Service. The management committee of NEPS is preparing a development plan for the phased expansion of the service which it is envisaged, will take five years. The priorities for expansion will be agreed by the management committee in consultation with local interests, including other providers of psychological services. Relevant data about each county, including County Roscommon, are being collected by NEPS and this will be supplemented by local discussions.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Civil Service Commission has offered positions in NEPS to 25 psychologists and is currently interviewing for a further 25 posts. As these additional psychologists take up their positions the first phase of expansion will commence and will be organised in an equitable and transparent way. No funding other than for the expansion of the National Educational Psychological Service is available for psychological assessments.