Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013
33. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline proposals to transfer clinical psychologist posts from the Health Service Executive to the new Child and Family Support Agency; if she will detail the consultation and engagement with professional bodies and unions which have taken place in advance of this proposed move; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7310/13]
View answer44. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way the proposed move of responsibility for youth psychological services from the Health Service Executive to her Department will operate, specifically with regard to achieving a multi-agency approach to providing such services when agencies operate under the authority of other Departments; the way the new arrangement will work in relation to the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7259/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 44 together.
Arising from the Government's consideration and decision with regard to the range of functions to be discharged by the new Child and Family Support Agency, it was agreed that an impact analysis be jointly developed by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Health regarding the proposed future arrangements for the provision of the community psychology service as it relates to children and family services covered by the Child and Family Support Agency and to services provided by the HSE. This work is being undertaken as a priority.
I have met with representatives from the Heads of the Psychology Services Ireland and with a delegation from the IMPACT trade union to discuss issues relating to the future governance and organisational arrangements for the provision of community based psychology services. Our shared objective is to ensure that the optimal national governance and service delivery framework is in place to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families and other clients who need to avail of this key service. The views of the profession and its representatives will receive appropriate consideration as part of the impact analysis.
