Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

828 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in the National Educational Psychological Service; the reason it was excluded from the scheme; and when these services will be provided. [26634/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

A psychologist who has recently joined NEPS has now been assigned to County Mayo. When he has completed his induction programme, it will be possible to offer the NEPS service to additional schools in County Mayo. The needs of all parts of the county will be fully considered in selecting these schools, and such factors as level of disadvantage and the incidence of special educational needs will be taken into account.

The Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission is currently conducting a recruitment competition for NEPS on behalf of my Department. NEPS will have attained its final staffing complement of 200 psychologists by the end of next year and it will then be possible to offer a psychological service to all schools in the country. I have been concerned for some time about the needs of children in schools who do not yet have access to the psychological service provided by NEPS. I have therefore made funding available to NEPS to allow such schools to commission psychological assessments from private practitioners. NEPS has drawn up and issued to all schools, including those in County Mayo, guidelines on how to avail of this scheme.