Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
835. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of recruiting an additional psychologist for institutes of higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21409/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions. As autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding, including the funding of student services, is a matter for the individual institution.
All Institutions are required to have in place appropriate student services, which includes counselling services and health promotion. As part of their services to students, each institution considers what is most appropriate in the particular context of their own institution and their student’s needs, while also considering best practice models such as peer-led support programmes and seeking to liaise with external services to the fullest extent possible.
In budget 2020 an additional annual allocation of €2m was provided to the higher education sector to assist institutions in supporting students with their mental health and wellbeing. This funding for 2020 and future years is in addition to existing spending by institutions and was made available to Higher Education Institutions as part of their grant allocations via the HEA.
On 22 July I announced a substantial package of supports for third level institutions and students to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19. This package includes an additional allocation of €3million for mental health and well-being to assist Higher Education Institutions in the provision of appropriate supports for learners. The distribution of the funds will be finalised over the coming days and weeks with key stakeholders. Further details will be made available as soon as this process has been completed.
Salaries of Educational Psychologists within the IoTs sector are based on HSE’s Educational Psychologist scale. As of 1 January 2020, the scale has 13 points including two long service increments, starting at €51,467 p.a. reaching €87,389 p.a. after the second LSI.
The Senior Educational Psychologist’s scale has 8 points including two long service increments, starting at €81,317 p.a. and reaching €95,127 p.a. after the second LSI.
Educational Psychologists in other higher education institutions are appointed following institution specific salary scales, with a varying degree of alignment with HSE’s scales. The mid-point of HSE’s Educational Psychologist scale, which is €67,326 p.a. could be used as approximate cost for the sector. Employer’s PRSI and pension contributions will form a part of recruitment costs as applicable.
The above referenced HSE’s scales can be consulted at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/1-january-2020-consolidated-payscales.pdf.
