Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019
355. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the status of the regulation of psychotherapy and counselling under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005; if members have been appointed to the registration board; the number of times the board has met to date; and if further legislative changes are necessary for regulation. [5144/19]
View answerIn May 2018 I signed regulations to designate the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. I can confirm that I recently selected twelve of the board members. There is one outstanding vacancy, which under the Act is filled by a candidate nominated by the Minister for Education and Skills. I anticipate that the candidate’s details will be submitted to the Department shortly. Once this candidate has been nominated I will sign the appointment orders and letters of appointment to the members of the newly established board. It is envisaged that the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Boards inaugural meeting will take place in May.
The registration board will then begin the substantial programme of work to draft the various bye-laws to allow the board to establish its registers. The board will also be requested to advise myself and the Health and Social Care Professionals Council on a range of issues pertaining to the regulation of the professions, including minimum standards of education and training and the titles to be protected.
