asked the Minister for Education in respect of the five Dominican primary schools in Ballyfermot, Dublin, the last occasion on which a Department of Education psychologist did tests in respect of individual pupils at those schools; if he considers the service at the schools to be adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers . - Psychologist Tests .
16.
: As I indicated in my reply of 30 May, 1978, Question No. 172, an educational psychologist employed by my Department is available to these schools on request and is prepared to carry out individual or group testing of pupils as far as resources allow. The last occasion on which the psychologist visited the schools in question to carry out individual tests was in April, 1977. A series of group tests were carried out during the last term of the 1976-77 school year. No requests for testing have been received during the current school year.
: Is the Minister not aware that the April 1977 figure only applies to one of the five schools and that in respect of some of the schools there has been no individual psychological testing for about three or four years? Is the Minister further aware that a nun doing voluntary work there is suitably qualified for the job, and will the Minister consider approving her appointment to do the psychological testing in the schools?
: That is a separate question. Question No. 17.
: Will the Minister answer my question?
: Question No. 17 was called.
: I will repeat my question. The Minister in his reply said that the last individual psychological testing was in April 1977. That was in respect of one of the five schools. In some of the schools there has been no psychological individual testing for three to four years. Is the Minister aware that there is a severe immediate problem in the school and that a nun is working here who is qualified for appointment, and would the Minister consider approving her work by granting some subsidy towards her work in the school?
: I said that that was a separate question.
: I am aware of the existence of a Dominican nun there who is qualified in psychology. If there is the crying need that the Deputy refers to, it is strange that no application has come to my Department from any of the schools for the services of a psychologist.
: Is the Minister aware that both I and the nun in question have been in touch with his Department during the past few months?
: I assure the Deputy that a psychological service is available from my Department on request. No request has come from the schools for the services of the psychologist. What does the Deputy expect me to do?
: Can I take it, then, that if the schools request the services of a psychologist tomorrow there will be no problem in providing them quickly?
: There will be absolutely no problem.