Seán Ryan
Ceist:173 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to address the chronic shortage of school psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26510/03]
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
Upon the establishment of the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, in September 1999, there were 46 psychologists. Since that time, the number of psychologists has increased almost three-fold, with 127 psychologists serving with NEPS, including seven new entrants who took up duty since the beginning of this year. Further recruitment of psychologists to NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and Government policy on public sector numbers. I have also allocated funding to NEPS to allow for the commissioning of psychological assessments from private practitioners. The scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, is an interim measure, aimed at providing a service to schools that do not yet have access to the psychological service provided by NEPS.