Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

372 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a national school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 serving a severely disadvantaged community has been obliged to request funds from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to finance the psychological assessment of children; if he will ensure that any further funds required by the school for this purpose are provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28264/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I understand from the authorities of the national educational psychological service – NEPS – agency that the school in question, together with all of the other primary schools in the area, have access to the services of a NEPS psychologist.

The expansion of the NEPS is currently under way in line with a five year plan that provides for its development in a phased and equitable manner and for a target staffing of 200 psychologists by 2004. I expect that this major expansion of the service will result in, among other things, an improved level of service in the case of areas that currently have access to the NEPS.

I am aware of the difficulties that have been experienced by some schools in gaining access to psychological assessments, pending the appointment of the full quota of psychologists for the NEPS. I have therefore asked the NEPS to develop a short-term strategy to alleviate the situation and I expect this to be in place early in the new year.