Vol. 502 No. 6
309 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists assigned to the County Kildare area for primary schools; if he has satisfied himself with this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8775/99]
Two of my Department's psychologists have been assigned to begin the provision of a psychological service to primary schools in County Kildare. They currently provide a service to 25 schools in the county and also have commitments to schools in greater Dublin. I am well aware that there are many primary schools in the county which do not yet have access to my Department's psychological service.
It is because of my concern about this situation that one of my key priorities as Minister is the establishment of a National Educational Psychological Service, to be available to all schools at both levels. On Thursday, 11 February, I announced Government approval for the establishment of a National Educational Psychological Service. Financial provision has now been made for the first two years of a five year implementation phase. At the end of the five year period, it is envisaged that every school in the country will have access to a schools psychological service.
My Department will shortly be recruiting 25 additional psychologists, who should take up their appointments during the school year 1999-2000. Officials of my Department are currently carrying out a detailed analysis of the needs and resources available in all parts of the country, in order to set priorities for the expansion of the National Educational Psychological Service.
