Vol. 472 No. 4
115 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will increase substantially the number of remedial, resource and education psychologists to cater for children attending the primary sector who have special learning and other difficulties. [23465/96]
117 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the current number of educational psychologists; the plans, if any, she has to increase the number available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23479/96]
I propose to take Question Nos. 115 and 117 together.
Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have attached a high priority to improving the quality and level of support services available to all children with special educational needs, including those who are integrated in mainstream schools.
I am satisfied that substantial progress has been achieved in this area. Measures which I have introduced at primary level include: the appointment of an additional 241 remedial teachers bringing the total now in place to 1,188 and the appointment of an additional 39 resource teachers bringing the total number in place to 46.
This year, my Department will recruit a further three visiting teachers for children of the travelling community and an additional two visiting teachers to cater for the needs of children who suffer from visual or hearing impairment and Down's syndrome children. However, as Minister for Education, I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wider range of special needs. I have to determine priorities and try to allocate resources to best effect.
In the current year, I have adopted a particular focus on children who suffer from educational disadvantage and have sought to target resources into this area in an effort to break the cycle of disadvantage. As part of this approach, I recently launched a major new initiative aimed at bringing special targeted assistance to children in selected urban and rural areas who suffer serious educational disadvantage.
I am satisfied that since my appointment as Minister for Education I have achieved substantial advances across the entire spectrum of special needs, including the remedial and resource areas. It is my intention to continue this process as resources permit.
116 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education the number of psychologists per 100,000 pupils attending schools in the State. [23478/96]
There are 37 psychologists employed in the Department of Education's service at present. Of these, 20 are working mainly in second level schools, 14 are in primary schools, and there are three psychologists in a supervisory, senior, capacity.
At primary level, the Department of Education's service is only available at present in a limited number of areas. These are in Dublin, Cork City and in Limerick City. Priority is given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. In addition, the pilot service established in 1990 in South Tipperary and in West Tallaght/Clondalkin has been continued as a permanent service.
In addition to the Department of Education's service, the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee employs four psychologists, one of whom is at senior level, for schools within its scheme and County Dublin Vocational Committee employs two psychologists for a similar purpose.
Psychological services are also provided by the health authorities. For children in national schools, it is the responsibility of the appropriate regional health board director of community care to arrange for psychological intervention where such is deemed necessary. These services are provided in clinical and other settings by the regional health boards.
Psychologists are also employed by the National Rehabilitation Board and by many of the voluntary bodies who manage special schools. The funding for these services comes from the health authorities and information on numbers and ratios would be a matter for these authorities.
