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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

406 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when the quota for educational psychologists for primary schools in the Waterford constituency will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20423/02]

The terms of the Government decision to establish the national educational psychological service in 1999 provided for a gradual expansion to full strength over a five year period. The development plan approved by the management committee of NEPS envisages that five educational psychologists will be needed to provide a service to schools in the city and county of Waterford.

At present, a senior psychologist and two basic grade psychologists are assigned to the Waterford area under the overall management of the regional director for the NEPS south eastern region. The psychologists plus a clerical officer are based in the NEPS regional headquarters in Waterford city.
Recruitment to NEPS is ongoing and my Department is offering employment to successful candidates from the most recent competition for educational psychologists. Subject to the availability of suitably trained psychologists, it is hoped to reach the full complement for the Waterford area before the end of the five year expansion programme.
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