Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

767. To ask the Minister for Health if trainee counselling psychologists will receive an equivalent conditional funding increase and three-year fee freeze to that which will now be offered to trainee educational psychology in return for three years’ work with the National Educational Psychological Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31327/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As you will be 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 focused 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.