Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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573. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on funding available to psychology trainees undertaking doctorates for counselling and education psychology, now the current academic year is pending and fees have to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32119/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy 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.

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.