Vol. 529 No. 1
1258 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the services of an educational psychologist are available in County Westmeath to assess children referred from primary schools; the procedure for such referrals; and the timescale from first referral to receipt of the completed assessment documentation. [2059/01]
1259 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that children referred for psychological assessment from a primary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be dealt with as quickly as possible. [2060/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1258 and 1259 together.
The National Educational Psychological Service Agency does not yet provide a psychological service to primary schools in County Westmeath. At present, the psychological assessment service there is provided by the relevant health board or by voluntary bodies under its aegis.
It is, however, the intention of NEPS to provide such a service as soon as a suitably qualified psychologist is available to work in the area. Additional psychologists will be appointed during the current school year and County Westmeath has been identified as a high priority in the development programme of NEPS.
I am aware of the difficulties that have been experienced by some schools, including the school named by the Deputy, in gaining access to psychological assessments, pending the appointment of the full quota of psychologists for NEPS. I have therefore asked NEPS to develop a short-term strategy to alleviate the situation and I expect this to be in place shortly.
