Sir, – Finally there has been some focus on the funding and management of the charity sector. However, the fact that counsellors and psychologists who see members of the public continue to have no statutory regulation is not being discussed.
There is not even a proper statutory definition of either profession, let alone definition or monitoring of training, or accountability or sanctions in cases of wrong-doing, unlike those imposed by long-standing bodies such as the Medical Council or Nursing Council.
Whereas Coru, Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator, is up and running for some professionals, regulation of those practising psychology awaits the direction of the Minister for Health. There are no plans to include counsellors at present. Nobody even seems to have thought of the concept of regulating managers.
This is clearly not good enough and the situation has to be rectified immediately. This is not to suggest that good work is not being done by both counsellors and psychologists all over the State. However, history has shown time and time again that the public relies on trust and self-regulation of professionals generally at significant peril to its health, welfare and, unfortunately in some cases in the past, life itself. – Yours, etc,
Dr KIERAN MOORE,
Consultant Paediatric
Ros Mhic Treoin,
Co Chill Channigh.