On 18 March, Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI) welcomed the opportunity to engage in the CORU consultation process on the development of its forthcoming strategy.

ACI affirms their support for statutory regulation and recognises the vital role that CORU fulfils in enhancing public protection, ensuring professional accountability, and fostering confidence within the health and social care professions.

Dr James O’Shea and Mr Jay Collins represented ACI at the consultation. Jay provided input on behalf of ACI, while James provided feedback from a subgroup comprising counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, play therapists, and CBT therapists. The points outlined below originate from the subgroup discussion involving ACI participants. Additional priorities and perspectives were identified by other groups for further consideration in the comprehensive consultation process.

1. Standards 

There was widespread acknowledgement of CORU’s critical role in establishing clear, consistent threshold standards for entry into the professions. It was noted that numerous professional bodies and training pathways have cultivated robust traditions of excellence, and there exists a shared interest in ensuring that these strengths continue to be reflected within the regulatory framework. Particular emphasis was placed on personal development, supervision, and the maintenance of professional competence as essential components of safe and effective practice.

It was proposed that standards should evolve over time to align with advancements in research, education, and professional practice. Support was expressed for ongoing engagement between CORU and representative organisations to facilitate the continuous integration of professional expertise into standards development. Furthermore, it was noted that standards must be sufficiently flexible to recognise evolving skills development, especially when practitioners serve complex or vulnerable client groups.

2. Fitness-to-Practise

The discussion underscored the importance of transparent, well-defined fitness-to-practise procedures to uphold public trust and facilitate equitable regulation. It was suggested that enhanced clarity regarding thresholds and processes would be advantageous as CORU’s regulatory functions continue to evolve. Specific emphasis was placed on comparing Irish fitness-to-practise arrangements with those of other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom. This dialogue aimed to promote consistency, public safety, and confidence across various professional and regulatory frameworks.

Additionally, it was acknowledged that elucidating the relationship between CORU’s statutory responsibilities and the ethical or disciplinary procedures of professional bodies would be beneficial. A timely, clearly articulated and effectively communicated process was regarded as essential for registrants, employers, and representative organisations alike. In summary, the discussion demonstrated a keen interest in ensuring that the fitness-to-practise framework remains robust, transparent, and comprehensively understood.

3. Specialisms

There was strong support for CORU’s role in regulating entry to the professions and creating greater consistency across practice. It was noted that, within many professions, practitioners may also develop expertise in specialist areas that involve additional knowledge, skills and experience. This was seen as particularly relevant in areas such as addiction counselling, trauma work, work with children and adolescents, play therapy, and CBT-based practice.

The discussion highlighted the value of considering how specialist areas of practice might be appropriately recognised within the broader regulatory structure. Such recognition was viewed as potentially beneficial for public understanding, employer clarity, workforce planning, and professional identity. It was suggested that CORU may wish to explore pathways or models that acknowledge specialist expertise while maintaining a clear, proportionate regulatory approach.

Conclusion

Overall, the consultation was very well received, and ACI acknowledges and values all opportunities to contribute to the regulatory planning process. The discussion demonstrated strong support for statutory regulation and a shared commitment to high standards, public protection, and the ongoing development of the professions.

Feedback was provided constructively to assist CORU in formulating a strategy that is clear, proportionate, forward-looking, and responsive to the evolving needs of practitioners, services, and the public.