Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. The Minister, Deputy Harris, sends his apologies. I have a particular interest in the area of psychology and I keep a close eye on it in my role as Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities.

I thank the Acting Chairman for allowing me the opportunity to set out the current criteria and practices for recruiting HSE psychologists. Over the years, there have been ongoing issues with the eligibility criteria for recruitment to HSE psychologist positions. In particular, a change to the eligibility criteria in 2009 made it more difficult for counselling and educational psychologists to obtain employment in the HSE. This change led to the development of eight care groups. Clinical psychologists were eligible for employment in all eight care groups. Counselling and educational psychologists were eligible for employment in one of these care groups.

In order to address these issues, a review commenced in 2015 to examine the eligibility criteria and to make recommendations. The purpose for the review was to ensure the availability of a good supply of candidates with the appropriate skills and experience to meet the needs of service users. The 2016 report of the review group made a number of recommendations, which were accepted. It recommended revised eligibility for entry into competitions for psychology posts, both at basic and senior level. The review group also recommended that the number of care group areas be reduced from eight care groups to four.

It also recommended changes in eligibility. These changes mean that counselling psychologists are now eligible to apply for psychologist positions in all four care group areas. Educational psychologists are eligible for two. The HSE advises that the new care group criteria have been implemented since 1 March 2016 and applied to basic grade and senior psychology competitions held throughout 2016 and 2017. In addition, the review group also looked at the qualification requirements. It has recommended a broadening of these requirements. Instead of named psychology qualifications only, eligibility will be made up of a combination of qualifications and placement or supervised work experience.

An implementation group, chaired by an independent chairperson, has been established to map out the practical steps necessary to implement the revised eligibility requirements. On conclusion of its work, I am advised that the implementation group submitted its report and recommendations to the HSE leadership team for consideration. After its consideration, the HSE accepted all the recommendations in full. I understand that the implementation date has been deferred, for operational reasons, until October 2019. This means that the current criteria for placements remain in effect until then.

I understand that four of the other recommendations made by the implementation group can be implemented without delay. One of these is the formation of a group composed of recruitment managers and principal psychology managers. This group will consider any new definitions to be used in advance of recruitment competitions. It will also deal with unforeseen or difficult decisions that may arise during competitions. This will ensure that fairness and consistency can be protected.

Another important recommendation approved by the leadership team is the creation of a national psychology placement office. In order to prepare for this, a project team will be established to advance this recommendation.

I am confident that the implementation of the recommendations as outlined will significantly improve the role of the psychology services in supporting vulnerable service users and their families.

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