Vol. 554 No. 5
770 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when educational psychologists will be appointed to national schools in Maynooth, Celbridge, Straffan, and Annaclough, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17431/02]
The situation in regard to the psychological service provided by the National Educational Psychological Service Agency to schools in County Kildare was outlined for the Deputy in a written reply on 17 April last. While my Department has recently made a number of new appointments of psychologists to NEPS, including some who will be based in the eastern region – south-western area – the situation will remain as previously outlined until the new staff are ready to take up work in the Kildare area. I am hopeful that it will be possible to extend the NEPS service to these schools during the current year but the exact timing will depend upon when the psychol ogists actually take up their posts and complete their induction training. In the meantime, the schools may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessment, details of which may be found on my Department's website.
Question No. 771 answered with Question No. 754.
