Unqualified could register as psychologists

Legislation loophole: Up to 1,000 unqualified people could register as psychologists in a loophole of the proposed legislation which will set down criteria for statutory registration of psychologists, it was claimed yesterday.

The claim was made by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)which is the professional body representing more than 2,000 practising and academic psychologists in Ireland.

It says it broadly agrees with the Health and Social Care Professionals Bill which will set down minimum academic and training requirements for 12 groups of healthcare professionals.

However, the PSI takes issue with one section which allows those already working as psychologists to be incorporated into the forthcoming State register for psychologists during the first two years of the register's existence.

"The problem involves the 'grandparenting' section which will allow people who have an undergraduate degree in psychology and have been working as psychologists for any period of time in the previous five years to be eligible for the State register," said Ronan Yore, president of the PSI.

"The current wording will allow for the possibility of up to 1,000 unqualified people to register as psychologists on the State register," Mr Yore said.

"The PSI doesn't have a problem with those who have been working for many years as psychologists who have evidence to show that they are qualified to work as psychologists. But, this section allows for those who graduated this year with a BA in psychology and evidence of work for one day to have an equal chance of being registered. It is an open invitation for those with no experience or training to become State-registered practitioners and the public won't know the difference," he said.

The PSI has suggested to the Department of Health and Children that psychologists working privately should have a recognised university honours degree or diploma in psychology and a recognised postgraduate qualification in applied psychology.

The PSI also suggested that psychologists working in the public sector could be admitted to the register with whatever qualifications were deemed appropriate for public sector appointments at the time of appointment.

The Department of Health and Children has declined to accept the proposed change in wording, "because it involves discriminating between the qualifications required of psychologists practising in the public sector and those in the private sector".

In the statement to The Irish Times yesterday, the Department of Health and Children said: "The [Health and Social Care Professionals] Bill represents a significant step forward in the protection of the public.

"Any registrant, whether under the 'grandparenting' provisions or otherwise, who do not meet the standard of proficiency and competence expected of registered professionals will be subject to the complaints, inquiries and disciplinary procedures set out in the bill."