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Minister for Health, Mr Simon Harris TD invites interested persons, organisations and other bodies to make representations concerning the proposed designation of the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist.
The Minister for Health, Mr Simon Harris TD wishes to give interested persons, organisations and other bodies an opportunity to make representations concerning the proposed designation under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act, 2005, of the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist.
The Minister said ‘I have given careful consideration to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council’s views and I accept the challenges identified by them in moving towards regulating counsellors and psychotherapists under the 2005 Act. The next step is to consider the views of the key stakeholders and I am pleased to be announcing this consultation process and I welcome the views of all the interested parties. '
The Minister concluded ‘Well qualified counsellors and psychotherapists assist people with psychological, emotional and or mental health issues and it is important that their professional and vital services are recognised. My main concern is that, in many cases, there is no statutory oversight of their competence and conduct and that some practitioners lack the qualifications and professional training needed to work with such vulnerable clients. I wish to address this concern and this consultation will be a significant step in formulating the best way forward.’
The Minister asks that submissions be sent in writing either
By Post: Public Consultation, Professional Regulation Unit, Department of Health, Hawkins House Dublin 2, D02 VW90
By email: candpconsultation@health.gov.ie
Closing date: 30th November 2016.
Further information is available on the Department’s website at http://bit.ly/2c5pCqA