David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1805: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 3 July 2008, if all the 33 psychologists who were offered places in the National Educational Psychological Service have accepted the posts offered; if all those who have accepted the posts have begun work in the service; if not, when they are due to begin; when he will commence recruitment for the remainder of the posts to reach the target of 200 in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31281/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can inform the Deputy in this regard that currently 19 Psychologists have been appointed to and taken up duties with NEPS, 2 have deferred such appointment in the short-term and 3 others are at an advanced stage in finalising their arrangements with my Department's Personnel Section. Additionally 8 psychologists who have accepted an offer of an appointment are currently undergoing the requisite Garda vetting process and a response is currently awaited from 1 additional individual in relation to acceptance of an offer of appointment.

Decisions in relation to the timing of further expansion of NEPs during 2009 will be taken in the context of the finalisation of my Department's 2009 Estimates allocation.