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

I again thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. I will bring his comments and views back to the Minister, Deputy Harris.

As of October 2017, there are 954 psychologists employed in the HSE, of whom 925 are clinical psychologists. That is the up-to-date situation. We must not create unnecessary delays in attracting the right health-care professionals to the right positions.

It is clear that there is a vital role for all psychologists, clinical, counselling and educational, in our health service. That is the reason we must all do what we can to employ those individuals to ensure that our health service is as good as it can be.

I am confident that the new framework, as recommended by the review and which is fully under way, will be more than fit for purpose. I am pleased that the Health Service Executive, HSE, is putting in place the necessary supports to enable that. For example, the national psychology placement office will ensure that psychology students of all disciplines have equal access to the placements they need to pursue their chosen careers.

This will go a long way towards protecting our most vulnerable patients by ensuring that services are in place where they are needed the most. On the other issues, I will relay the Deputy's views to the Minister, Deputy Harris.

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