Vol. 577 No. 3
102 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists currently employed by the National Educational Psychological Service; the number of primary and second level schools in the State and the number of such schools, respectively, that are receiving services from the NEPS; the plans to engage further psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31075/03]
There are currently 127 psychologists employed in the National Educational Psychological Service – NEPS. The most recent figures compiled by NEPS indicate that it provides a service to 1,764 of the total of 3,157 mainstream primary schools and 650 of 750 secondary schools. The number of schools with a psychological service will be increased during the current school year, as recently appointed psychologists complete their induction programme and are assigned to schools. My Department intends to offer employment in the near future to five additional psychologists from a panel established by the Civil Service Commission.
