Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2015
168. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the views of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in relation to the upcoming regulation of these professions, given the association's statement that there is no difference between counselling and psychotherapy, and that these professions should be regulated by the same qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40941/15]
View answerPsychotherapists and counsellors are not currently regulated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. However, the Act provides that the Minister for Health may, by regulation, designate a health and social care profession not already designated if he or she considers that it is appropriate and in the public interest to do so and if specified criteria have been met.
In accordance with the Act, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council has been consulted on the question of regulating counsellors and psychotherapists. Its detailed report on the matter is being examined carefully in my Department with a view to deciding the next steps in the coming months. These steps will, I envisage, include a wider round of consultation involving the various professional bodies, including the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and other interested parties.
