Brian O'Shea
Ceist:763 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange an educational psychological assessment for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21914/98]
Written Answers. - Psychological Services.
The psychological service to primary schools provided by my Department is still in the development stage. As the Deputy is aware, this service is not yet available in County Waterford. However, I understand a psychologist has already assessed the student in question. As his school has the services of a shared remedial teacher, it should be possible for the recommendations in the psychological report to be implemented.
In 1997, I set up a planning group to survey the current availability of psychological services to students in schools and to make recommendations to me on the developments that would be necessary to ensure effective provision in all areas. Its report has now been published. I launched it publicly on 15 September and have set up an implementation group in my Department to plan the phased expansion of the psychological service to all schools.