Schools denied direct access to psychologists

SCHOOLS dropped from the most disadvantaged list have been denied direct access to psychologists despite promises from Education Minister Mary Hanafin that no supports would be withdrawn this year, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Ms Hanafin made the commitment when 81 second-level schools previously included in her department’s Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS) were left out of the School Support Programme (SSP) for 2006/07.

But a list released to the Irish Examiner under the Freedom of Information Act shows 10 second-level schools have had their direct access to the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) withdrawn in the past year. They include three Dublin schools due to close this summer.