Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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736. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 30 March 2023, if discussions between his Department and the HSE regarding funding for trainee counselling psychologists have concluded; the timeline he is working towards for announcing the details for the 2023/2024 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/23]

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 still 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 required 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.