Press Release: Friday 4 September 2026
Ministers for Health launch public consultation on the proportionality of certain proposed amendments in the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill, relating to the regulation of psychologists
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, have today launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to the legislation regulating health and social care professionals. The Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill proposes, inter alia, amendments to the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.
The amendments, which are the subject of this public consultation, relate to the regulation of the psychology profession, particularly the designation of the titles of clinical, counselling, and educational psychologist.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“‘The introduction of statutory regulation of the psychology profession is a significant achievement in implementing government policy in this area. it will help protect the public and support high standards of care. The proposed amendments will allow CORU to open registers for clinical, counselling and educational psychologists in the near future, providing greater clarity and assurance for the public, practitioners and service providers.
“I encourage stakeholders, practitioners and members of the public with an interest in this area to take part in the consultation. Their views will be important in ensuring that the proposed approach to regulating the psychology profession is fair and proportionate.
Minister Butler said:
“Clinical, counselling and educational psychologists make an important contribution to mental health, education, disability and wider health and social care services across the country. Introducing statutory regulation for these professions for the first time is a significant step in recognising that contribution and strengthening safeguards for those who use these services.”
“This consultation gives people the opportunity to consider and comment on the proposed changes before they are finalised. I would encourage anyone with experience of, or an interest in, psychology services to have their say.”
Information on the public consultation, including how to take part, is available here.