Mental Health Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2009

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Ceisteanna (190)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

242 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the number of training places for courses in clinical psychology are maintained in view of the need for clinical psychologists to implement the recommendations of A Vision for Change, the primary care strategy and the Disability Act 2005; if she will engage with the Department of Education and Science to ensure this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18940/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

To 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 Working Group to undertake a National Review of Clinical Psychology Training Places is in place within the Health Service Executive and accordingly I am referring the Deputy's question to the Executive for attention and direct reply.