Primary school principals have criticised a decision by the Department of Education to withdraw access to the State's psychological service from 29 schools in the south Dublin/Wicklow area.
The psychologists assess children and recommend additional resources when needed.
The Irish Primary Principal's Network says the decision leaves more than 5,000 children without the service.
However, the department has disputed this.
The department points out that these 29 schools will now be given money with which to buy in private psychological assessments.
The schools involved say the amount of money given is not sufficient.
The Department of Education says 29 schools in the area may have lost the service, but 12 other schools have gained it.
