Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1636. To ask the Minister for Health if the €750,000 funding announced for trainee counselling psychologists will include support for current trainees or only those who begin their training in the 2023-2024 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17558/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, €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 and that delivers value for money. The structure of this funding is currently being finalised by officials in the Department. 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 this. I hope to be in a position to announce the details shortly for academic year 2023-2024.