Vol. 562 No. 3
146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if psychological assessments in line with requirements will be provided in respect of all schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6052/03]
There was a commitment in the programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, to the development of psychological services, including assessment services for those with special needs, for children and young people. The Government began to fulfil this commitment by establishing a national educational psychological service, NEPS, on 1 September 1999.
The development plan for NEPS provides for a gradual expansion until all schools have access to the service, with a high priority being given to schools serving disadvantaged children. The terms of the Government decision to establish NEPS outlined how this target would be attained over a period of years, with the number of psychologists increasing gradually to 200. Notwithstanding the time consuming nature of recruitment competitions for professional staff, the complement of the agency has increased from 43 psychologists on the date of establishment to 120 on 31 January 2003.
In addition to NEPS staff, there are also a number of other psychologists working in the educational system, bringing the current total to approximately 130. The Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners have established a panel of suitably qualified psychologists, selected during the most recent recruitment competition for NEPS. It is intended to continue to appoint these psychologists during 2003.
