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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 2

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which he proposes to expand psychological services in primary or second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10515/03]

The planning group that prepared proposals for the national educational psychological service conducted a detailed examination of the need for psychological services in primary and post-primary schools. As a result of its findings, it recommended that 200 psychologists are needed, of whom about 180 would be in NEPS and the remainder elsewhere in the educational system. The planning group also recommended that this target should be achieved over a period of five years, beginning during the school year 1999-2000 and that the psychological service should gradually be expanded to all primary and post-primary schools during that time. The Government accepted the group's report and decided in early 1999 that the recommendations should be implemented.

NEPS was established on 1 September 1999 with the 43 psychologists already employed in my Department. Over the past few years it has expanded gradually on a national basis in accordance with the Government's decision. The recruitment of additional psychologists has involved the organisation of two competitions over the past few years through the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission. There are now 120 psychologists in NEPS. Recruitment is set to continue until the target number of staff has been achieved.
During this development phase those schools that do not yet have direct access to a psychological service from NEPS can avail of the scheme for commissioning private assessments. This scheme is administered by NEPS pending the full expansion of its service to all schools.
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