I propose to take Questions Nos. 669 and 720 together.
I can inform the Deputy that the number of psychologists as of January 2007 stood at 128, since that date an additional 15 individuals have been recruited to the service which when reduced by the effects of resignations/ retirements in the period results in a current staffing compliment of 137.
Following a national recruitment competition organised by the Public Appointments Service, a panel of suitable candidates has been has been formed. Currently some 33 panellists have been offered specific appointments within the NEPS regional structure, some 30 have accepted the post offered and of these 13 have passed through the requisite Garda vetting process and are finalising arrangements with my Department's Personnel Section.