Vol. 530 No. 5
160 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure the services of an educational psychologist are provided for schools in west Wicklow in view of the great need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4320/01]
I accept there is a need in all areas of the country for schoolchildren to have access to psychological support. My Department is committed to providing such support for all schools and has established the National Educational Psychological Service Agency as an executive agency for this purpose.
The current situation is that NEPS provides a service to all post-primary schools in County Wicklow. The agency has been actively recruiting additional psychologists and is now embarking on a programme of expansion, particularly in the primary sector. The service to schools in west Wicklow is organised by the NEPS eastern region, the south-western area. Good progress has been made with expansion in this region and I hope a service will be initiated in primary schools in west Wicklow within the year.
