Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of psychotherapists in the health services for each of the years between 2000 and 2004 and to date in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16587/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Psychological therapies, including psychotherapy, are currently provided within the health service by a range of health professionals. As there is no national grade of psychotherapist within the public health service, the health service personnel census does not capture the specific employment information requested by the Deputy.

The Deputy will wish to know, however, that a working group was established by the former health board CEO group to examine the role of psychotherapy in the health service in order to assess the requirement for the future. The report of the working group, which provides advice on how to progress many issues, including the development of psychotherapy and counselling services on a national basis, is currently being finalised by the Health Service Executive.