Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2008
217 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of postgraduate training places for clinical psychologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18335/08]
View answerTo qualify as a clinical psychologist, a post-graduate qualification in clinical psychology must be completed after an initial undergraduate degree in psychology.
Post-graduate students are sponsored by health agencies and spend time over three years in clinical placements in different specialities; course work and a thesis must be also satisfactorily completed.
For some years the Health Service Executive has been committed to developing the number of postgraduate training places for clinical psychology nationally. In 2003, the total training places available nationally was 54. At that time, clinical psychology training opportunities were available at UCD and TCD only. Since then, facilitated through a partnership initiative involving the HSE and four National Universities — TCD, UCD, UL and NUIG — the number of clinical psychologists in training has doubled to 110 training places.
Within the HSE, a Working Group continues to examine the issue of training places and I am advised that the Executive aims to bring the total number nationally to 150 by the year 2009.
