Dr. James O'Shea:

For Addiction Counsellors of Ireland, we have to be cautious in how we respond because our board is currently reviewing those regulations and will formulate a position on them. I can give a personal opinion if that is any use. To be clear, it is my own personal opinion and not the position of ACI. I welcome the regulation. I think it will bring counselling and psychotherapy on a par with the other regulated professions. When you regulate professions you improve quality, standards and continuing professional development. We will have views on particular aspects of the Coru regulations and we will write to Coru in due course about that. I can only comment personally and say I certainly welcome them and I think it is a hugely positive step forward for the professions of counselling and psychotherapy. Probably in the next month we will formulate an official position and we will communicate it to Coru.