Psychological Service.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004

Thursday, 8 July 2004

Ceisteanna (150)

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

144 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of NEPS psychologists in place; the number to be recruited during the rest of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21023/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Since the beginning of 2004, my Department has been engaged in the process of recruiting five additional psychologists to the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. Four of the five started on 19 April 2004, and a fifth is expected to join shortly. Two vacancies arising from resignations are also being filled.

There are 127 psychologists currently employed in NEPS, including the four new entrants, plus three on career break. Further recruitment of psychologists to NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers.

Pending NEPS reaching its full staffing complement, I have allocated funds to allow schools to commission psychological assessments from private practitioners. The scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, is an interim measure, aimed at providing an assessment service to schools that do not yet have access to the full educational psychological service provided by NEPS.