Vol. 449 No. 7
149 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education the number of educational psychologists employed in her Department; the number of psychologists who work in the primary school area; and the number of psychologists who work in primary schools in the south inner city of Dublin. [4656/95]
178 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the number of education psychologists currently employed by her Department; the number who work in the primary school area; the plans, if any, she has to assign any of the education psychologists to schools in the south inner city of Dublin; the reason there is no education psychologist operating in the schools of the south inner city; the further plans, if any, she has to recruit additional education psychologists; and when the schools of the south inner city of Dublin will be supplied with education psychologists. [4500/95]
There are currently 38 educational psychologists employed in my Department. Of this number, eight commenced employment on 20 February 1995. There are seven psychologists working in the primary school area. In addition, the eight newly appointed psychologists will be assigned to the primary school sector on completion of their training programme shortly before Easter.
The needs of schools in the south inner city of Dublin will be taken into account when assignments are being made. Priority will be given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. The provision of a psychological service in the south inner city of Dublin, and elsewhere, has had to await completion of the recruitment process for the eight psychologists mentioned above. However, it is hoped that it will be possible to begin to develop a service in the south inner city of Dublin immediately after Easter.
With regard to plans for the expansion of the psychological service, it is expected that a further two psychologists will be in a position to take up appointment in the very near future. In addition, my Department expects to recruit a further ten psychologists in 1995.
