Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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208. To ask the Minister for Health if he will introduce regulations for the counselling and psychotherapy sector, as supported by the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, given that this was promised by the middle of 2015; the reason for the delay; if the absence of clear regulations has resulted in confusion for the general public; if regulations are required to safeguard the most vulnerable in society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43376/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Psychotherapists and counsellors are not currently regulated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. However, the Act provides that the Minister for Health may, by regulation, designate a health and social care profession not already designated if he or she considers that it is appropriate and in the public interest to do so and if specified criteria have been met.

In accordance with the Act, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council has been consulted on the question of regulating counsellors and psychotherapists. Its detailed report on the matter is being examined carefully in my Department with a view to deciding the next steps in the coming months. These steps will, I envisage, include a wider round of consultation involving the various professional bodies, including the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and other interested parties.