Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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503. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding funding allocations for those pursuing doctorates in educational and child psychology at Mary Immaculate College and UCD; if his attention has been drawn to the inequity in funding when compared to similar doctorate courses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18921/23]

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. The Deputy may wish to seek the views of the Minister for Education in terms of funding for educational psychology places.