Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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130. To ask the Minister for Health the efforts being made to reduce the waiting time for referrals to the child and adolescent primary care psychology service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9028/18]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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145. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting a community based primary care psychology appointment; the number of those children that suffer from an eating disorder; the number awaiting an appointment more than three, six, 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9131/18]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 145 together.

In recognition of the particular need to address access to primary care-based counselling services for under 18s, the Government has prioritised investment in this area. The HSE's National Service Plan 2016 provided an additional €5m for psychology for children with a focus on enhanced counselling interventions for children and adolescents. Recruitment of these posts, which includes a mix of psychologists and psychology assistants has commenced on a nationwide basis.

I have asked the HSE to revert to the Deputies in relation to the detailed service issues, including the number of children waiting for an appointment.