While my Department is aware of the organisation referred to by the Deputy, no legal powers are currently available or proposed to regulate such services, in so far as they can be categorised as involving health care provision.
A national working group was established in May 2003 to advise on future measures to strengthen the regulatory environment for complementary therapists. The group is expected to report before the end of 2005. The primary focus of the work of this group is in relation to established complementary therapies such as acupuncture and homoeopathy rather than lifestyle-related training and coaching which extends into a broad range of non-health related areas such as personal and career development and the pursuit of business and financial goals.
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of all services to the public is subject to the supervision of the Director of Consumer Affairs and must conform to the requirements of consumer legislation.