Vol. 537 No. 2
429 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if NEPS has now appointed educational psychologists to cover the remainder of the primary schools in north County Kildare; if not, when the appointments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15946/01]
It is intended to continue to expand the national educational psychological service – NEPS – on a phased basis until all schools are able to avail of its service. Each cohort of additional psychologists is being divided equitably among all regions according to the student numbers in each. At present, there are 82 psychologists serving with the NEPS. It is intended to appoint up to 20 more psychologists before the end of the current school year and to recruit a further 28 psychologists before the end of this calendar year. Schools in County Kildare have been identified by NEPS as a priority when further psychologists are appointed.
