Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

New and innovative therapies are being developed and internationally recognised all the time. I wish to draw attention to dance movement therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, music therapy and play therapy. All of these therapies have merit. As a former school principal, I have seen wonderful outcomes for children with emotional needs who have participated in play therapy led by qualified play therapists. Any therapy delivered by professional therapists that cuts down on medication and improves quality of life must be welcome.

I have particular regard for music therapy, which I have seen used in the children's unit of our National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. Music therapy is based on the understanding that all human beings are able to respond to music, irrespective of disability or injury. Music has always been a powerful tool of expression. It can touch our emotions deeply and allows for a freedom of communication that needs no words and often no movement. Music therapy is an evidenced-based profession. A growing body of research demonstrates the benefits and importance of music therapy as part of rehabilitation treatment programmes. Music therapy is the planned and intentional use of music-based methods to meet an individual's emotional, social, physical, psychological, behavioural and communication needs. Irish music therapists works closely with other professionals within the interdisciplinary paediatric teams using music-based methods to facilitate the children to achieve their rehabilitation goals. Music therapy is available as a core therapy in many international rehabilitation units and is an established part of interdisciplinary treatment within health, education and social care settings.

On 26 July I tabled a parliamentary question to the Minister for Health asking for statutory registration and recognition of these four therapies. Many Irish people have invested years qualifying in these areas. They have also invested significant amounts of money and they are professionals. However, there are many other rouge traders, such as people presenting themselves as qualified dance movement therapists, art therapists, qualified drama therapists and music therapists. It is confusing for people and leaves vulnerable people in a more vulnerable position. The present position is unsatisfactory for our citizens and for the therapists.

The object of the principal Act associated with this Bill is to protect the public. This will be achieved by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence among the registrants of the 12 health and social care professions designated under the Act. In the principal Act, 12 professionals are listed and, in time, only registrants will be entitled to use these titles and the public will have confidence in the professions. This must be greatly welcomed. The answer to my parliamentary question of 26 July, which asked for statutory recognition for dance, art, drama and music therapists, indicated that the Minister for Health has power to include them if he considers it appropriate and in the public interest. When the regulatory frameworks in respect of the 12 designated professions are fully in place, I ask the Minister to incorporate these additional therapies - drama, art, dance, music and play therapy.

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