Written answers

Thursday, 10 November 2022

Department of Health

Education and Training Provision

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

306. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated number of trainee counselling psychologists who will benefit from the €750,000 funding announced in budget 2023; the way trainees will be selected to receive funding; his plans to financially support trainees who will not receive this funding; the reason all trainees will not be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55969/22]

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

307. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of funding all trainee counselling psychologists across the three-year doctorate programme; if consideration is being given to funding all trainees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55970/22]

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.

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.

I am focussed on supporting counselling psychology students in an equitable way that benefits students, and that delivers value for money. The structure of this funding is currently being finalised by officials in my Department and will be applied as soon as possible to allow support for those undertaking studies. The approach will be based on best practice and knowledge gained from other health and social care funded training models.

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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.