Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 1

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

142 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received correspondence from the Department of Education and Science regarding the recruitment of additional psychologists for the National Educational Psychological Service Agency, NEPS; if he has written to the health boards requesting them to continue to provide an assessment service for children with suspected specific learning disabilities during the development phase of NEPS; the response he has received from the health boards on this matter; the specific response of the Western Health Board in respect of its area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9220/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

My Department is involved with the Department of Education and Science in ongoing liaison regarding the development of educational psychological services. Letters were issued to each health board seeking their co-operation in maintaining existing psychological service levels during the phasing-in period of the National Educational Psychological Service Agency. In response, the Western Health Board informed the Department that it had referred the matter to its regional manager of community care services. Officials from my Department will continue to liaise with the health boards concerning any difficulties which may arise in the phasing-in period.