Vol. 547 No. 1
635 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the level of psychological services being provided to St. Ita's and St. Joseph's School, Balloonagh, Tralee, County Kerry, is inadequate; and when a senior psychologist will be appointed to the school. [2171/02]
The provision of health-related support services to St. Ita's and St. Joseph's Schools 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 psychological service to this school on the basis of an agreed level of service. In September 2001, the Brothers of Charity found they were unable to maintain this service. The recruitment of a basic grade psychologist post for a one year period commenced early in 2001 and interviews were held on 19 June 2001. The one successful candidate advised the service on 3 October 2001 that she was not taking up the post. The post was then re-advertised in the newspapers on 27 and 28 October 2001. There were two applicants for the post, both of whom cancelled prior to the interviews on 6 December 2001. It is now intended that this post will be advertised again in early February. The question of the possible re-grading of this post to greater seniority is a matter in the first instance for the Southern Health Board.
