claims.

Mr. Edness, the Health Minister, hit back at claims made by Shadow Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome in Parliament.

Mr. Bascome charged there were no Bermudian psychologists or psychiatrists at St. Brendan's Hospital.

And he said a Bermudian woman, recently graduated with a Master's degree in psychology from a US college, had been told this was not enough to get her a job. The person in charge had a Master's degree from the UK, he said.

Mr. Edness told The Royal Gazette : "There has been a Bermudian psychologist in the post since 1978 and heading the psychological department of St.

Brendan's since 1980.'' The psychologist, Mr. Jeremy Lodge, was "eminently qualified'' and had done an "outstanding job''.

On Mr. Bascome's other allegation, Mr. Edness said a Master's degree was needed for a clinical psychologist's licence in Europe, including the UK. But in the US, a doctorate was needed for a licence.

A key part of hiring a psychologist was their eligibility for a licence in the country where they trained.

"This provides the least chance of discriminating against a Bermudian candidate.'' Mr. Edness praised Mr. Lodge's efforts to help and advise Bermudian students.