Vol. 430 No. 3
141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she expects to improve the degree of psychological assessment in schools throughout the country in 1993 in view of the funding earmarked for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy may be aware that psychological service is presently provided by the health boards throughout the country. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Health, has made substantial progress in improving these services for children and adolescents.
Psychological assessment, while central, forms part only of what would be described as a balanced psychological service. In this regard, a pilot project for the establishment of a psychological service for primary schools has been operting in West Tallaght/Clondalkin and in South Tipperary for the past three years. I intend to continue this project into the 1993-94 school year.
The further expansion of a psychological service for primary schools under my Department, in line with the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government, must await consideration of a report on the pilot project by an independent evaluator. I hope to have this report before the end of 1993.
