Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which psychological assessment programmes are available in primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3713/98]
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
There is a psychological service available from my Department to all second level schools. It is also available to 402 primary schools in a limited number of areas with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas. Certain psychological tests may also be used by qualified guidance counsellors. Every second level school has been given an allocation of hours for guidance which varies according to its size. As part of their work, guidance counsellors engage in a systematic programme of psychometric testing in their schools.
Last year I announced my intention to develop, in liaison with the health authorities, a national educational psychological service. This will be available to all primary and second level schools as well as to young people of school-going age who are outside the formal educational system. Planning for this service is well advanced. A planning group, representative of the partners in education, will report to me before the end of April of this year. The report of the planning group will be critical in putting the psychological service on a firm footing for the future. As an interim measure my Department is jointly organising with Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick, a development project for the psychological service which will last for three years. Fifteen qualified psychologists are to be employed on a contract basis for the duration of the project. The selection process for these posts has now been completed. These psychologists will work in regional teams under the management of the psychological service in the Department of Education and Science, and will be taking up their duties during the current school year. Both of these developments will increase access to psychological assessments in schools.