Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)

I wish to raise serious concerns about the new rules in psychotherapy, put forward by CORU, which have caused alarm across the sector. A recent report in The Irish Times highlighted that CORU had refused to allow a derogation sought by the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board, a derogation that would include the requirement for personal therapy during training. That is the basic standard in most countries and is seen as an essential for both practitioner competence and client safety. What is worrying is that CORU's own head of strategy and policy has said there is insufficient evidence to show that personal therapy improves outcomes, yet the Irish Council for Psychotherapy, representing ten member organisations, has strongly refuted that and submitted detailed evidence to the Minister for Health. The ICP and all other professional bodies in this area are united in opposing these weak standards. They have said clearly that what CORU is proposing would put Ireland below the international norms, particularly those of other EU countries, and would pose a grave threat to public safety and the profession itself. It is not just a fringe concern by a couple of organisations as CORU has said. Rather, it is a collective voice of an entire profession saying that what is being proposed is not fit for service.

Given the vital role that psychotherapists play in mental health care, especially when services are already under severe strain, we cannot afford to undermine professional standards and public trust. This is incredibly dangerous. As a therapist, I cannot fathom how I am to help other people if I cannot help myself. If I do not go to therapy, it is incredibly dangerous. It opens doors for exploitation of people who are vulnerable and seeking help.

I ask that the Minister for Health come before the House to explain these standards, how they were approved, what consultation took place and how the Department intends to respond to the legitimate concerns raised by the ICP and others. This is about ensuring safety, quality and respect for the profession that supports some of the most vulnerable people in our society.