Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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1116. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered funding the counselling psychology doctorate programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54930/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The total allocation for mental health services in 2023 is over €1.2 billion, which is another record budget for mental health services.  This significant investment will enable implementation of many of the short and medium-term measures in our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. It will enhance the provision of mental health supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, to acute and specialist mental health service delivery. The funding will enable us to continue to deliver our vital services to as many people as possible, as we move into 2023.

In relation to the HSE Mental Health care programme, €750,000 has been provided in Budget 2023 to support counselling psychology training places. This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthen access to psychology training. Engagement continues with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) to progress this initiative. Further detailed discussions are now taking place between the Department and HSE to progress both this and wider commitments of the 2023 Budget in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2023.