TEACHERS believe the State's psychological services are failing special needs children.

A new study found widespread dissatisfaction among teachers involved in special education.

The teachers question the ability of the Government's National Educational Psychological Service to deliver an adequate service to schools.

The study says they are also unhappy with the frequency of visits by psychologists and the absence of therapeutic interventions.

The study, completed by Dr Paul Stevens, principal of Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa, Castletownbere, Co Cork, and Prof Mona O'Moore, of Trinity College Dublin, is based on data gathered from over 900 teachers between 1989 and 2007.

The study 'Inclusion or Illusion?', published by Blackhall Publishing, says the lack of trained educational psychologists, coupled with the Government's reticence in filling vacant posts, suggest that its capacity to provide a comprehensive service will not be addressed in the short term.

They add that the deferral of the Education of Persons with Special Education Needs Act in the last Budget is a major blow to special educational provision.

- John Walshe