Seanad debates

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage.

 

4:00 pm

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senator Ryan and other speakers for drawing attention to this important area, including counsellors and psychotherapists. I agree that many of those who practise as counsellors and therapists do an excellent job but, unfortunately, that cannot be said for all of them. There is a big problem there. Given my responsibility for mental health, I have met many of these groups. I agree that they should all be regulated by the Bill but, unfortunately, there is a dichotomy in that they cannot agree among themselves. Many of them are well qualified but Senator Ryan has been kind in saying that others have completed six-month courses. Some may have attended much shorter courses than that.

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