Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 31 Jan 1995

Vol. 448 No. 3

Written Answers. - Psycho-educational Assessment Service.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

121 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education if he will provide an alternative psycho-education assessment service for children residing in and attending school in the catchment area of the Orwell Road Clinic, Dublin 6, in the context of the clinic's decision to cease providing such a service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1944/95]

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

124 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to provide a psycho-educational assessment service for children residing in the catchment area of Orwell Road Clinic of the St. John of God Child and Family Centre, Dublin 6, following their recent formal withdrawal of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3786/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 124 together.

I understand that there may be difficulty in some primary schools in arranging assessments for pupils who are considered to require them. There is a commitment to provide a school psychological service to primary schools generally on a gradual basis. The process of appointing ten additional psychologists is in hand at present. It is hoped that these psychologists will take up their appointments in the near future and priority will be given to providing a service to schools serving disadvantaged areas. The selection of schools is being finalised and the needs of schools in the area is being borne in mind.