Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

194. To ask the Minister for Health when he expects the full appointment of the counsellors and psychotherapists registration board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4894/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In May 2018 I signed the regulations to designate the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. The Public Appointments Service carried out a recruitment campaign to identify suitable candidates for my consideration for membership of the board. I can confirm that I recently made my selection of twelve of the members. There is one outstanding vacancy, which under the Act is filled by a candidate nominated by the Minister for Education and Skills. I anticipate that the candidate’s details will be submitted to the Department shortly. Once this candidate has been nominated I will sign the appointment orders and letters of appointment to the members of the newly established board. It is envisaged that the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Boards inaugural meeting will take place in May.

The registration board will then begin the substantial programme of work to draft the various bye-laws to allow the board to establish its registers. The board will also be requested to advise myself and the Health and Social Care Professionals Council on a range of issues pertaining to the regulation of the professions, including minimum standards of education and training and the titles to be protected.