Vol. 544 No. 5
176 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether outstanding work is being done at St. Killian's special school, Cork, but that such work needs a greater level of psychological support; and if he will ensure that a psychologist is available to the school on at least a 50% basis henceforth. [29445/01]
I am committed to providing supports, including an educational psychological service, to special schools such as St. Killian's that fulfil such an important role in our educational system. The National Educational Psychological Service is expanding to further schools as additional psychologists are appointed. As a feature of this expansion NEPS expects to become increasingly involved in the special education area, in collaboration with the psychological services provided by the health boards and by voluntary bodies.
Until recently a psychological service was provided to St. Killian's school by a voluntary body under the aegis of the Southern Health Board. This service was withdrawn by the voluntary body from September 2001. At present NEPS is unable to replace this service due to insufficient staffing in the region. Recruitment for NEPS is in progress and it is hoped that it will be possible to expand its service in the southern region during the New Year.
