asked the Minister for Justice if his Department have recently recruited psychologists for their services; if these personnel will be doing duty in Loughan House, County Cavan; if they are clinically-trained and where; and if the Department has clinically-trained psychologists available to them for Loughan House, County Cavan.
Written Answers. - Loughan House (County Cavan).
253.
There are two posts of psychologists in the Department, one being a newly created one. Competitions to fill these posts were held by the Civil Service Commissioners in the autumn, but so far only one appointment has been made. The psychologist who has been appointed is expected to take up duty in January 1979 and an important part of his duties will be carried out in Loughan House.
The psychologists in the Department would have a very wide range of duties and it is considered that educational, industrial, occupational and counselling experience are as important for them as clinical training. Consequently clinical training was only prescribed as an essential qualification for the senior of the two posts advertised.
The services of consultant clinical psychologists have been available as required at any of the institutions managed by the Department and I expect that they will be also available as and when required at Loughan House.