Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 5

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

127 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no psychological or social work services available for the pupils of Saint Ita's and Saint Joseph's Special School, Balloonagh, Tralee, County Kerry; and the steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation. [29391/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of health-related support services to St. Ita's and St. Joseph's school, Balloonagh, Tralee is a matter in the first instance for the Southern Health Board. The board has informed me that the Brothers of Charity Services have been providing a mutually agreed social work and psychological service to this school.

In September 2001, the Brothers of Charity found they were unable to maintain the psychological service. A limited social work service has been provided. The recruitment of a psychologist commenced earlier this year and interviews were held on the 19 June 2001. However, the one successful candidate advised the services on 3 October 2001 that she was not taking up the post. The post was re-advertised in the newspapers on 27 and 28 October 2001.

The process of recruiting a social worker is also under way. The board has informed me that it is the intention of the Brothers of Charity Services to restore a service from existing resources on the basis of a revised agreement with the school pending appointments to the two vacant posts.