Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1426. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if current trainee counselling psychology students will be funded in line with incoming first year students in the same course; the plans by his Department to expand this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16674/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is 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 focussed on supporting counselling psychology students in an equitable way and that delivers value for money. The structure of this funding is currently 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 now taking place 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.
