Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of both counselling and clinical psychologists employed in the Irish Prison Service; if this level is deemed to be adequate; his plans to increase the levels of psychological services available in the prison service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17439/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Prison Psychology Service now comprises eight Clinical Psychologists, five Counselling Psychologists and one Forensic Psychologist. The recruitment of six new psychologists in 2005 brought the total number of psychologists to fourteen — the largest number since the Psychology Service was established in 1981. A further recruitment competition is under way at present with a view to appointing another four psychologists.