Vol. 519 No. 3
215 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the needs of children in County Wicklow are being met in terms of the provision of an educational psychology service; if he has further satisfied himself that one educational psychologist is sufficient in view of the lengthy waiting lists of children; and the plans he has in this regard. [13878/00]
218 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting time of children in County Wicklow to access the service of a health board educational psychologist; and the efforts he is making to address the pressing problem. [13775/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 218 together.
There are currently two psychologists from the national educational psychological service – NEPS – working in County Wicklow. All post-primary schools in the county have access to an educational psychologist, as have a number of primary schools. I am aware that there is a need to increase the number of psychologists in the county to meet the need for educational psychological services and the Deputy will be glad to know that I am currently providing additional posts to expand these services, both in Wicklow and nationally.
As part of this expansion, the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission is completing the process of recruiting additional suitably qualified psychologists. As a result, my Department expects to be in a position to appoint up to 50 additional psychologists during the current year. This will double the present number of psychologists in NEPS.
