James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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457. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting a primary care psychology appointment in County Wexford for more than three months, six months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months and more than 36 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9726/18]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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458. To ask the Minister for Health if children in County Wexford can avail of urgent primary care psychology appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.

In recognition of the particular need to address access to primary care-based counselling services for under 18's 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.

As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.