Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 3

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

298 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be assessed for dyslexia; and the assistance, if any, which will be given to him following the assessment. [2251/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The National Educational Psychological Service Agency was established in autumn 1999 and recruitment of additional psychologists to staff the service is well advanced. It is hoped that all posts sanctioned for 1999, plus appointments to fill vacancies caused by resignations, will be filled shortly. The selection process for a further cohort of psychologists to be appointed during the current year is nearing completion by the Civil Service Commission. It is intended that these further psychologists should be in post by the end of summer 2000. It is envisaged that pupils in all schools will have access to the service by the end of a five-year period.

One of the issues which is being considered by the agency is the question of how interim support may be provided to students and schools that do not yet have access to the service. My Department has held discussions 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. The two Departments concerned will make every effort to arrive at an early satisfactory solution to this interim difficulty. The needs of the student referred to have been brought to the attention of the agency.

Michael Ring

Question:

299 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance, if any, which will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has been assessed as having dyslexia. [2252/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not available at present because of an industrial dispute in my Department. I will arrange to have the information forwarded to the Deputy.