Vol. 491 No. 3
541 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the educational psychological services, if any, available to cater for families and schools in the south east of Ireland; if he will have arrangements made for a person (details supplied) to be seen prior to his entry into the local national school in September 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12356/98]
Each post-primary school in the south east of Ireland is assigned to a named psychologist of the Department of Education and Science. Students and parents may access this service through the school authorities.
South Tipperary was one of the pilot areas used for the development of a psychological service to primary schools between 1990 and 1993. After the completion of the pilot phase, the psychological service in the area was continued. One of the 15 psychologists currently being appointed on three year contract will be joining the South Tipperary psychological service in September 1998.
At present, there are a number of counties, including counties Waterford and Wexford, where it has not yet been possible for my Department to provide a psychological service for primary schools. Clinical psychological services are provided by the regional health board.
A member of my Department's psychological service will liaise with the clinical services to establish the nature of the needs of the person mentioned and to make recommendations on educational provision.
