Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am reading a note on this. I thank Deputy Cairns for raising this serious issue. I am told, specifically with regard to CHO 4, which is Cork and Kerry, that the HSE has advised that data showed an increased referral rate across the region of 63%, specifically for primary care psychology waiting lists. There seems to be a particular challenge in this region that I do not believe is replicated nationally based on this note. Psychology vacancies in the region equate to approximately 25 whole-time-equivalents. It is 25.95, which is a 61% vacancy rate. I understand Cork and Kerry are at present working on a service improvement plan and new and improved initiatives, but that is a high vacancy rate. I am told that is a regional challenge-----

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