Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 4

Written Answers - Psychological Service.

Jack Wall

Question:

227 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in County Kildare currently in a position to avail of the national education psychological service; the number of psychologists employed under the scheme in County Kildare; if he is satisfied that this number is sufficient to meet the demands on the service; if not, the plans he has to improve the service; the number of schools who are currently unable to avail of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10949/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

At present, the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, offers a psychological service to 33 primary schools in County Kildare. Sixty-six primary schools in the county do not yet have access to the service.

I intend to continue to expand NEPS on a phased basis until all schools are able to avail of its service. My Department expects to appoint more than 20 additional psychologists by the end of the current school year. I intend to recruit another 28 psychologists later in the year 2001.

County Kildare forms part of the south-western area of the eastern region, which also includes schools in south-west Dublin city and county and west Wicklow. Thirteen NEPS psychologists currently provide a service to this area. It is envisaged that there will ultimately be 26 psychologists to serve this whole area.