Liam Kavanagh
Ceist:15 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the extent of the present primary schools psychological service within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Psychological Service for Schools.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if he will outline (1) the degree to which provision is being made in primary schools for psychological assessment, (2) the number of schools likely to benefit from the service in 1992, (3) the comparison of this figure with 1991, the amount if any, of extra money being provided in the current Estimates, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 274 together.
A pilot project on the development of a psychological service for primary schools was initiated by my Department in September 1990 in two designated areas. The two areas are west Tallaght/Clondalkin in Dublin and south Tiperary. There are 33 schools with just under 15,000 pupils in the west Dublin area of the project and 90 schools with just under 13,000 pupils in south Tipperary.
Currently there are six psychologists working on the project and a further psychologist is to be appointed in the near future.
As the project is for three years beginning in September 1990 it is not proposed to add to the number of participating schools in 1992. An independent evaluator has been appointed to assess the project and I will consider the feasibility of extending the service in the light of experience of the project.