Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Petition No. 26 of 2023, submitted by Ms Áine Daly, calls for equal opportunity for HSE counselling positions. The petition relates to the exclusion of National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy, NAPCP, members from the eligibility criteria for counselling positions within the HSE. The NAPCP is one of several independent regulatory bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. It comprises members at every level of the counselling profession, namely, student, pre-accredited, accredited and supervisor. Despite robust accreditation requirements comparable with those of other regulatory bodies, with requirements for level 7 qualification and 450 hours' clinical practice, the NAPCP is currently excluded from consideration for counselling positions with the HSE. This continues despite overwhelming evidence that Ireland is facing a mental health crisis as those in need remain on extensive waiting lists for vital supports. The NAPCP is calling on elected representatives to lobby the HSE to give full consideration to NAPCP members, thus drawing from a wider pool of highly skilled, qualified mental health professionals.

The case manager corresponded with the HSE. In its reply, the HSE stated CORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator, whose role is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professionals. The HSE further stated that clinicians registered with the NAPCP are not typically employed by the HSE or eligible for roles in HSE mental health services. Individuals employed by the HSE in services for people experiencing mental health problems tend to come from disciplines that have statutory recognition and regulation or are in the process of achieving same. The HSE response concluded by advising it may be productive for the NAPCP executive to engage with the counselling and psychotherapy registration board of CORU, if this is not already occurring.

The committee recommends that the correspondence from the HSE be forwarded to the petitioner for comment within 14 days. Pending the response from the petitioner, further action, if any, will then be decided by the committee. Do members wish to comment?