Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

1216 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to the scheme for the commissioning of individual psychological assessments, the psychologists who were commissioned by a primary school, (details supplied) in Dublin 22 will be remunerated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1735/02]

(Dr. Woods): The scheme for commissioning psychological assessments has been operating since September 2001. My Department provides funding for this scheme with the main objective of allowing access to psychological assessments for those schools to which the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, does not yet offer a service. Schools that have access to the full NEP service, such as the school referred to in the question, are normally allowed to avail of the scheme only under exceptional circumstances. However, in recognition of the disadvantaged nature of the catchment area of the school, I asked NEPS to re-examine this particular instance.

NEPS has now authorised the commissioning of four psychological assessments for the school and will pay the psychologists immediately on receipt of the appropriate documentation from the school principal.