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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 2

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Tony Killeen

Ceist:

101 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to establish a schools psychological service in County Clare; and the number of psychologists which will be appointed to serve the primary sector and the post primary sector in the county. [4617/97]

It is my intention that there should eventually be a psychological service available for all children in schools. For this reason, there is a policy statement concerning the development of the schools psychological service in the Government White Paper on Education, which envisages the expansion of the psychological service on a phased basis. The provision of the service is seen as a function of the new education boards.

There is currently a psychologist from my Department assigned to second level schools in County Clare. Parents may access this service through the second level school attended by an individual pupil. Psychologists from this Department serving second level schools carry out assessments and casework as the resources of time and personnel allow. Pupils and their families who require ongoing therapeutic work may be helped by services of the regional health board or by voluntary agencies funded by the board.

In general, the responsibility 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.

A schools psychological service at primary level is being introduced gradually by my Department as resources permit. At present, this is provided for certain named schools which serve disadvantaged areas in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick, in addition to the original pilot service in west Tallaght-Clondalkin and in south Tipperary. There have been requests for the extension of this service to a number of other areas, including County Clare. However, due to the need to limit public expenditure, it has not been possible to expand my Department's psychological service further in the recent past. It will necessarily, be some time before the Department of Education is in a position to take over responsibility for psychological assessments for educational purposes from the health authorities.
As and when it becomes possible to extend the schools phychological service, the needs of children and of schools in various areas, including County Clare, will be borne in mind. The number of phychologists appointed in any particular area or county will be related to its identified needs.

Tony Killeen

Ceist:

102 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Killeen den Aire Oideachais an gcuirfeadh sí Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg, Inis, ar an liosta tionscnamh tógála atá le maoiniú ó Mheastacháin 1997. [4715/97]

Tá an scoil nua atá molta do Ghaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg i measc na dtionscnamh a bhfuil práinn ag baint leo agus a bhfuil faoi chaibidil agam i láthair na huaire chun iad a chur amach le haghaidh taireisceanna ar bhonn céimnithe i mbliana. Chomh luath agus a bheidh cinneadh deánta cuirfear in iúl é don bhord bainistíochta.

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