51 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to extend the school psychological service to the north east in order to assist children presenting with educational difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12339/97]

It is my intention that there should eventually be a psychological service available for all children in schools. For this reason, there is a policy statement concerning the development of the schools psychological service in the Government White Paper on Education, which envisages the expansion of the psychological service on a phased basis. The provision of the service is seen as a function of the new education boards. Psychologists from my Department are assigned to serve all second-level schools in the country, including the counties in the north-east. Parents may access this service through the second-level school attended by their child. Psychologists from this Department serving second-level schools carry out assessments and casework as the resources of time and personnel allow. Pupils and their families who require ongoing therapeutic work may be helped by services of the regional health board or by voluntary agencies funded by the board.

In general, the responsibility for the psychological assessment of children in national schools, where such is deemed necessary, is a matter for the regional health boards through the appropriate director of community care.