Noel Dempsey
Ceist:154 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education if she will agree to the provision of a school-based psychological service in County Meath. [23955/96]
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
There is a school-based psychological service provided by my Department to second level schools in County Meath. Parents may access this service through the second level school attended by an individual pupil. Psychologists serving second level schools carry out assessments as the resources of time and personnel allow.
There is also a psychological service from my Department available to primary schools in a very limited number of areas with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. This service to primary schools has not been extended to the Meath area as yet.
In general, responsibility for arranging for the psychological assessment of children in national schools, where such is deemed necessary, is a matter for the regional health boards through the appropriate director of community care. Parents may access this service through the school medical service or the family doctor. It will be some time before the psychological service from my Department will be in a position to take over all responsibility for psychological assessments for educational purposes from the health authorities.
When it becomes possible to have further expansion of the Department of Education's psychological service, the needs of children and of schools in County Meath, and in other areas, will be borne in mind.