Vol. 542 No. 2
286 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the requirement for a purpose built clinical psychology facility to effectively deliver the new post-graduate programme for the training of clinical psychologists at NUI Galway; if he has made representations to his colleague the Minister for Finance for the estimated once-off capital cost of £750,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23644/01]
I am aware of University College Galway's proposals to develop a new post-graduate programme for the training of clinical psychologists. My Department, in the context of its participation in the joint review group on psychology services in the health service along with health service employers and IMPACT, has been working to ensure adequate post-graduate training places. A work force planning exercise carried out under the aegis of the review recommended the provision of approximately 30 additional post-gradu ate training places in psychology. Following a competitive bidding process, these additional places are being provided in the current year through the Psychological Society of Ireland's post-graduate diploma course. It is intended, subject to the availability of appropriate resources, to support a similar process to maintain this increased level of training places next year, in respect of which University College Galway will again be invited to participate.
