Vol. 451 No. 7
96 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 is required to wait up to ten months for assessment in relation to dyslexia; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that to have an assessment carried out privately would cost £150; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7189/95]
The responsibility for arranging for psychological assesssment of children in national schools, including such assessments for educational purposes, is a matter for the regional health boards, through the appropriate director of community care. Consequently, the issue of waiting times for such assessment, or fees charged, are matters outside my control.
My Department is currently in the process of developing a school psychological service at primary school level on a phased basis. To this end, the recruitment of ten additional psychologists is being completed at present. A further ten will be recruited later this year. This service will be available free of charge, and priority is being given to schools serving disadvantaged areas.
However, it will be some time before this new service will be in a position to take on responsibility for psychological assessment for educational purposes from the health authorities.
