Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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144. To ask the Minister for Health to ensure that funding is provided to trainee educational psychologists to enable them complete professional training. [18458/23]

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.