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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Ulick Burke

Question:

30 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in County Mayo in a position to avail of the National Educational Psychological Service; the number of psychologists working in the scheme in County Mayo; the number of schools unable to avail of the psychological service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2712/01]

Until the beginning of this year, the National Educational Psychological Service Agency of my Department deployed one educational psychologist in primary schools in County Mayo, serving 30 primary schools. Two additional psychologists, who will work in both primary and post-primary schools, have now joined the NEPS team in the county. One of these psychologists will also be deployed initially part-time in County Roscommon but will eventually work exclusively in County Mayo. It is intended to extend the NEPS service to approximately 30 more schools during the current school term.

The most recent statistical report of my Department indicates that there are 192 primary schools in the county. This includes special schools, some of whom have access to psychological services provided by the relevant health board and voluntary bodies. This means that approximately 130 schools do not yet have access to the NEPS service. However, it is envisaged that there will be six psychologists serving all schools in County Mayo by the end of the expansion phase of NEPS.

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