Vol. 530 No. 6
446 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that schools are hiring psychologists privately to satisfy the requirements of his Department; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that due to lack of funding many schools are unable to do so; the action he will take to provide funding to schools for such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4916/01]
I am aware that some schools have paid for private psychological assessments in areas where an educational psychologist has not yet been appointed. My Department is committed to the provision of free psychological support for all school children who need it.
At my request, the National Educational Psychological Service agency has been examining a number of measures which will assist in meeting the current demand for psychological assessments. I hope that progress can be made through these measures in the near future.
