Vol. 510 No. 6
380 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a full-time special needs teacher, classroom assistant and educational psy chologist will be provided to cater for the needs of children at Scoil Mochua, Celbridge, County Kildare and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23222/99]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has sanctioned ten hours per week teaching support and ten hours per week special needs assistant support to the school in question, to assist in the enrolment of pupils with special needs.
Following a review of reports submitted by the Departments inspectorate, the number of pupils with special needs attending this school would not warrant the appointment of a full time resource or special needs assistant.
With regard to the schools request for a psychologist, additional psychologists are currently being recruited by the Civil Service Commission, to work in the newly established national educational psychological service. It is intended to recruit further psychologists over a five year period when it is envisaged that all schools will have access to the psychological service. The management of the National Educational Psychological Service Agency is currently drawing up a development plan for the phased expansion of the service and the particular needs of all schools are being considered in the formulation of this plan.
