Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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556. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the funding of counselling psychology and educational psychology training courses as part of a move towards equity of training for psychologists, as well as a means to address difficulties with recruitment and retention of psychologists in particular service areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32031/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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.

With regard to recruitment and retention of psychologists, the Deputy will also be aware of the recruitment and retention difficulties across our health services, as well as for mental health professionals generally.

The Department of Health is developing a Health and Social Care Workforce Planning Strategy and Workforce Planning Projection Model based on international best practice which will result in rolling health and social care workforce planning action plans and the implementation of targeted policy measures for health and social care workforce reform. This has the potential to significantly optimise future recruitment in to CAMHS and other mental health services, as outlined in Sharing the Vision, and reflective of population demand.