Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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353. To ask the Minister for Health what steps his Department has taken to ensure current first- and second-year educational psychology students will receive financial support, given the substantial course fees and the quantity of unpaid work in the HSE, CAMHS, primary care and NEPS sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18800/23]

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.

In relation to the question raised, the Deputy may wish to seek the view of the Minister for Education as regards funding opportunities for educational psychologists.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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354. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to provide financial supports to trainee educational psychologists; and his rationale for not providing supports at this time. [18823/23]

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.