Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 8

Written Answers. - School Psychological Service.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

164 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education her views on the waiting list for assessment at the Child and Family Psychiatric Unit in the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7, and the inability of the staff at the hospital to cope with the increasing numbers of referrals of educationally disadvantaged children; the alternative assessment facilities, if any, available to children on the northside of Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7449/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The responsibility for arranging for psychological assessment of children in national schools, including such assessments for educational purposes, rests with the regional health boards, through the appropriate director of community care. Consequently, the issue of waiting lists for such assessments is a matter outside my control.

My Department is in the process of developing a school psychological service at primary school level on a phased basis. To this end, nine additional psychologists have taken up their appointments and it is expected that a further person will do so in the near future. More psychologists will be recruited later this year. In extending the service, priority is being given to schools serving disadvantaged areas, including parts of the northside of Dublin.

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.