I agree with the Deputy's sentiments in regard to the case to which he referred. While there is no legislation governing counselling services provided by professionals under health boards, those people are subject to regulatory regimes and guidelines operated by their respective professional bodies. Health boards are currently devising a model for the uniform provision of counselling services across all health boards. Preliminary inquiries focused on countries within the EU, in terms of the review I have undertaken, indicate that there is no regulatory regime in place in those countries. Information is awaited from Sweden, but it has already been established that it does not have a statutory framework of regulation.
I intend to see how we can address this issue without driving out those who provide a good quality service and causing a deterioration in the overall position. I take the view that the cases which have come to light in recent times require that this matter be put under immediate review.