Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I could not agree more with the Deputy. I am aware that it was the lack of agreement, rather than a disagreement, between the various groups which meant that counselling and psychotherapy were not regulated. Now that there appears to be uniformity in thinking on the matter, what the Deputy is advocating is more pertinent than ever. We try to bring people along in formulating the basis for regulations and standards and are now at the point where this needs to be done as a matter of urgency. I know, from people I have met, about the damage that can be done by someone who is ill equipped and badly trained in the provision of counselling or psychotherapy services for people who are often in a very vulnerable position. We need to move quickly on this issue. It is not just about protecting the public which is the paramount concern but also about protecting the reputations of those who are well qualified and do an extraordinarily good job. We do not want everyone to be tarred with the same brush.

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