Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2010
175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the numbers of psychologists available through the various health boards; her plans to increase the numbers in line with current demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10888/10]
View answerTo qualify as a clinical psychologist, a post-graduate qualification in clinical psychology must be completed after an initial undergraduate degree in psychology. Students are sponsored by health agencies and spend time over three years in clinical placements in different specialties; course work and a thesis must be also satisfactorily completed.
The number of training places in clinical psychology is dependent on the availability of clinical placements. A National Review of Clinical Psychology Training Places is under way within the Health Service Executive, to consider the adequacy of training places, and accordingly I am referring the Deputy's question to the Executive for attention and direct reply.
