Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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120. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason forensic psychologists are not hired instead of clinical psychologists (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23129/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that as the Psychology Service provides an integrated, layered model of care, in which assessment and intervention is provided for those with mental health difficulties and criminogenic risk and need, formal mental health training is essential.

Formal mental health training is provided through the core placements within the postgraduate clinical and counselling psychology training programmes. Forensic psychology training does not provide core mental health training as part of its programme at the current time. When clinical and counselling psychologists begin working in the Irish Prison Service they are provided with additional training in relation to forensic assessment and intervention.