Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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147. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in introducing regulation of the counselling and psychotherapy sector, if this is urgently required in the public interest, his intentions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44427/15]

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 and other interested parties.