§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding he will make available to assist local authorities in the transition from a one year course to a three year doctorate for training educational psychologists. [171757]
§ Mr. GardinerThe Department for Education and Skills is currently considering the proposals made by the British Psychological society for a three-year doctorate for the training of educational psychologists.
389WThe Department of Education has been in discussion with the Queen's University of Belfast and the five Education and Library Boards about the implications for Northern Ireland if these revised arrangements are adopted.
A Northern Ireland decision on the matter will be taken in light of local needs and the resources available to the Department for future years.