Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Louis O’Hara, has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that interviews have taken place and a successful candidate has been offered the position of psychologist in Athenry Primary Care Centre. O’Hara has been calling on the HSE to reinstate this position since it became vacant in November 2023 and was subsequently abolished.
Teachta O’Hara said: “The psychologist position in Athenry Primary Care Centre became vacant in November 2023 and was subsequently abolished. Even though many children and families in the local area have been waiting years to access psychology services. It was an outrageous decision given the lengthy waiting lists locally, with the Irish Independent reporting today that over 680 children in Galway are waiting over a year to be seen by a psychologist.
“I have been raising this issue constantly with the HSE and requesting that this position be reinstated. Earlier this year, the HSE informed me that they had submitted a business case and sought approval to have the position reinstated.
“I am pleased to have received confirmation from the HSE today that interviews have taken place and a successful candidate has been offered the position. They have assured me that the process will begin for them to commence in post as soon as possible once this offer is accepted.
“It is welcome news that the position is being reinstated, and hopefully, the offer will be accepted. This will help to tackle out-of-control waiting lists for services locally, and the post must be commenced as soon as possible.
“While this news is welcome, much more needs to be done to address staffing deficits right across our primary care services and CDNTs to ensure that children and families receive the supports and services they require."
