Newsroom
The Ministry of Finance has dismissed reports claiming it refused a request to fund additional educational psychologists in next year's state budget, saying discussions on the Ministry of Education's 2027 spending plans are still underway.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said media reports suggesting it had taken a negative position on the request were inaccurate. It said it continues to work closely with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth and is examining all budget proposals as preparations for the 2027 budget continue.
The ministry also released updated figures on staffing in the Educational Psychology Service, saying the number of educational psychologists employed in schools has risen to 71 this year. That represents an increase of 69 per cent since 2022, when there were 42 psychologists in post.
Staffing remained at 42 in 2023 before increasing to 66 in both 2024 and 2025. A further five positions were added this year, bringing the total to 71.
According to the ministry, the increase followed repeated approvals for additional posts over the past four years.
It also said employment across the education sector has grown by 2,450 positions since 2022. The total workforce increased from 13,945 during the 2022-2023 school year to 16,395 in the 2026-2027 academic year, an increase of 18 per cent.
The ministry said the government continues to give priority to education through its policies and budget planning, adding that the needs of the education system remain an important consideration during the budget process.
