Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
154 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the psychotherapists practising in and around Dublin who are neither monitored nor licensed and that complaints are being made that vulnerable persons are at risk; and if he will investigate this matter. [13734/04]
View answerMy Department is not aware of any specific instances where vulnerable people have been put at risk by practitioners providing psychotherapy services. For psychotherapists providing services in the public health service, health service employers must satisfy themselves that such psychotherapists are appropriately competent and qualified.
In the private health service, it is the responsibility of each individual practitioner providing health care services to the public to ensure that they are trained and qualified to the level required to work safely within their area of competence. Members of the public considering availing of the services of a psychotherapist in private practice should satisfy themselves that the psychotherapist in question is a member of a professional body and subscribes to the code of ethics and other requirements of the relevant professional organisation.
If the Deputy is aware of specific complaints of vulnerable persons placed at risk in the above circumstances, these allegations or complaints should be brought to the attention of the Garda authorities.
