Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1124 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 is experiencing difficulties due to the fact that it has been without a psychological service since 1998; the proposals he has to appoint a psychologist to this school; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this school has many children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30430/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The service provided by the National Educational Psychological Service Agency, NEPS, of my Department to the school named by the Deputy has unfortunately been suspended over the past two school years due to an unforeseen career break. It was not possible to provide a substitute psychologist immediately as recruitment for NEPS has taken longer than anticipated. However, this school is regarded as having particular needs and was identified as a priority for the assignment of newly appointed psychologists. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that 28 additional psychologists have taken up their posts in NEPS since the beginning of September. One of these psychologists has been assigned to the named school. She has now completed the programme of induction training, and is beginning her work in schools.