Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:558 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists available to assess students with attention deficit hyperactive disorder in Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. [12439/00]
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
The following is the number of educational psychologists available from my Department to carry out school based assessments in each of the counties mentioned by the Deputy: County Donegal, 1; County Cavan, 1; County Monaghan, 1; County Louth, 2.
In many cases where attention deficit hyperactive disorder – ADHD – is diagnosed or suspected, pupils are referred to the local health board, as a multi-disciplinary approach, involving clinical personnel, is frequently required in the management of this disorder.
The Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission is currently completing the process of recruiting additional suitably qualified psychologists. As a result, my Department expects to be in a position to appoint up to 50 additional psychologists during the current year. This will double the present number of psychologists in the national education psychological service – NEPS. The management committee of NEPS is preparing a development plan for the phased expansion of the service. The priorities for expansion will be agreed by the management committee in consultation with local interests, including other providers of psychological services. It is envisaged that all schools will have a fully operational psychological service by the end of 2004.