Schools have no access to educational psychologists

THIRTEEN primary schools across Co Wicklow have no access to an educational psychologist, a problem facing nearly 400 schools nationwide.

The figures were revealed by Deputy Pat Casey, who is calling for urgent action to ensure that all schoolgoing children and young adults get equal access to this vital service.

‘ The schools in Wicklow that do not have an assigned educational psychologist are severely disadvantaged in terms of delays to assessments for special educational needs or behavioural difficulties,’ said Deputy Casey, ‘Overall children in these schools have limited access to psychological supports and counselling services when a crisis presents.’

Four schools are affected in the Arklow area, namely St Patrick’s NS in Bearna Chlé, Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir, St John’s Senior School and St Michael’s and St Peter’s Junior School.

Four schools are also lacking the service in west Wicklow. They are Donaghmoure NS in Donard, SN Mhuire in Stratford-on-Slaney, Rathcoyle NS in Rathdangan and Stratford Lodge NS in Baltinglass.

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin is the only school without the service in Wicklow town.

In the north of the county, four more primary schools are affected: Powerscourt NS in Enniskerry and St Brigid’s NS, St Laurence’s NS and Greystones Community NS, all in Greystones.

Deputy Casey said that he was ‘alarmed’ that the updated Action Plan for Education only mentions hiring ten additional educational psychologists nationwide. ‘ This is in stark contrast to the 65 positions that were promised last year.

‘ These additional posts are urgently needed to address this problem,’ said Deputy Casey.