Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of numbers of psychologists available through the various health boards; if he has plans to increase the numbers in line with current demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11069/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been an increase of more than 50% over the period from end-1999 to end-2003 in the number of fully qualified psychologists working in the health service. Numbers have increased by 150 from 291 to 441 in whole-time equivalent, WTE, terms. This has contributed to a significant increase in the volume of psychological services provided.
The Department, together with the directors of human resources in the health boards, is currently prioritising support for the implementation of a key recommendation of the report of the joint review group on psychological services in the health service, which was published in March 2002, relating to human resource planning through the provision of a substantial number of additional postgraduate training places in clinical psychology.
At present, 52 students are enrolled on the Psychological Society of Ireland's clinical psychologist postgraduate training diploma, 24 are enrolled on the doctoral programme in clinical psychology at TCD, 12 in second year and 12 in third year, and 21 are enrolled on the doctoral programme in clinical psychology at UCD, ten will graduate in 2004 and 11 in 2006. The National University of Ireland, Galway commenced a new postgraduate doctorate in the 2003-04 academic year with an enrolment of 12 students.
The Department remains committed to working on an ongoing basis with health agencies, educational providers and the education authorities to ensure adequate provision of training places in clinical psychology, having regard to the important recommendations on investment in training and education detailed in the action plan for people management published in November 2002.
