Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
32 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the planning group on educational psychologists in schools; the total number of appointments recommended by the planning group; the number of appointments made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5264/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning group that reported in September 1998 on the need for a National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, recommended a target number of 200 psychologists. This figure was inclusive of the psychologists already working in my Department and elsewhere in the educational system. The indications at that time were that this would necessitate the recruitment of 131 additional psychologists to NEPS. The planning group also recommended that this target should be attained over a development period of five years.
The Government accepted the recommendations of the planning group and issued a decision in February 1999 that included a plan for the phased recruitment of psychologists and administrative staff to NEPS. Recruitment by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission of additional psychologists for NEPS began later that year. Some 43 serving psychologists employed by my Department plus three on career breaks transferred to NEPS on 1 September 1999. This included 15 temporary contract posts.
Notwithstanding the time consuming aspects of recruiting professional staff, my Department has appointed 93 additional psychologists since 1999 for assignment to NEPS. This includes permanent appointment of those previously on temporary contract. Allowing for retirements, resignations, etc., the total number of psychologists serving in NEPS is 125, plus one on assignment to other duties in my Department. Four other psychologists are on career breaks at present. My Department is also processing offers of employment for a further five psychologists. It is hoped that they will be joining NEPS later during this school year, bringing the overall total, including those on career breaks, to 135. NEPS psychologists and administrative staff are included within the overall staffing complement of my Department. Future recruitment of psychologists must therefore be dealt with in that context.
