INEQUALITY in the treatment of trainee psychologists has been highlighted by Deputy Violet Anne Wynne, who raised concerns about how they are excluded from government funding support.
On foot of raising the issue, the Independent TD received a commitment from the Minister for Education to fund a cohort of child and educational psychology students in Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick (UL) and University College Dublin (UCD) in exchange for them working for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) when they graduate.
Deputy Wynne told the minister that the issue had been raised with her office in the wake of Budget 2023, when it emerged that educational and child psychologist trainees are the only cohort of trainee psychologists not funded. “They pay over €30,000 in fees and therefore are financially burdened, and they feel almost disregarded by your Department even though you would be aware of the significance and value of the work of educational and child psychologists.”
The Kilrush woman also spoke the words of a Clare trainee educational and child psychologist into the Dáil record: “Why fund us? Because we deserve equality. We are not funded and therefore financially burdened – carrying up to €30,000 in debt before we start our careers.
We work unpaid for children and families facing significant difficulties in relation to mental health, disabilities, and education from birth to adulthood. There is precedent now. We need to have our voices heard.”
Minister Foley replied that the Department of Education has set up a high-level working group chaired by the Secretary General, Bernie McNally. They have agreed to “sponsor a cohort of Third Year educational psychology doctoral students by providing a contribution towards their fees and associated expenses” at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick (UL), and UCD.
“The workforce planning group will be asked to make some interim recommendations in Q2 of next year regarding any other short-term measures required… I want to acknowledge to you that we are making considerable progress in this area – and I think that’s a positive announcement.”
Speaking after the announcement, Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne said that she was absolutely delighted. “The National Educational Psychology Service provide an invaluable service and support to many hundreds of children and families throughout County Clare, and to many thousands throughout Ireland. The sustainability of NEPS must be always ensured and I am absolutely delighted with this announcement from the Minister to fund these final year trainee educational and child psychologists, and I hope that in years to come we will be in a position to fund all years of this vital programme.”
Deputy Wynne said the most important thing is to ensure the long-term sustainability of NEPS so that Clare children will not be “left languishing on waiting lists and referral lists for years”. “The Vision for Change report said that we needed a 100% growth rate in educational and child psychology places in agencies in Ireland,” she said. “I am happy that we have made this stride in the agency of NEPS, and, now I will turn my focus to the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to see what pressure can be applied to Government there to secure more funding so that Clare children are not left wanting.”