Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

444 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to refund £1,200 which a primary school (details supplied) in County Waterford was forced to spend to have eight pupils educationally assessed privately at a cost of £150 for each pupil in order to qualify for the services of a part-time resource teacher due to the lack of a publicly funded educational psychological service for primary schools in the constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5845/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am aware that some schools have paid for private psychological assessments in areas where an educational psychologist has not yet been appointed. Unfortunately, at present, my Department is unable to reimburse schools for payments made in the past for private assessments.

However, my Department is committed to the eventual 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 that will assist in meeting the current demand for psychological assessments. I hope that progress can be made through these measures in the near future.