As the Deputy will be aware I was pleased to announce in the context of Budget 2009 an increase in the funding, in the order of €4.75m, available to the National Educational Psychological Service with which it is envisaged that up to 50 further psychologists can be appointed. I can confirm that this additional funding allocation has been made to NEPS allocation for the current year.
Recruitment of these psychologists has begun from the existing panel of 24 qualified personnel. It is intended that upon its depletion that a new panel will be established, based on a competition to be organised by the Public Appointments Service, to fulfil the required expansion target in this regard.