John Browne
Ceist:207 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to provide a general psychological service at primary school level.
Written Answers. - School Psychological Service.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes plans for the expansion of the psychological service to cover the whole primary school sector to ensure that every child with learning or behavioural difficulties has access to help at the earliest stage.
On 26 January last I announced the provision of funding for ten psychologists at primary level in 1994. This is the first phase of the implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government.
The development of a psychological service for the primary sector will take into account the experience of the pilot project operating in West Tallaght-Clondalkin and South Tipperary. An independent evaluator was appointed to assess the pilot project and his report is expected shortly.
The service in both areas covered by the pilot project is continuing at present.