Irish Council for Psychotherapy (Irish Council for Psychotherapy)

Lobbying Organisation Irish Council for Psychotherapy

Date published 21 Sep, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026

Specific Details The ICP is a united group speaking on behalf of psychotherapists & psychotherapy training schools, which operate to rigorous standards of competence & professionalism. Funding for Wellbeing and Mental Health Supports in Post-Primary Schools / Department of Education Counselling in Primary Schools-Pilot (CPS-P) 2023-2026 https://tinyurl.com/24tm25d7

Intended results ICP seeks to ensure the continuation & national expansion of the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot Scheme (CPS-P) by addressing workforce challenges. ICP’s intended results include improved employment security, fair compensation, better working conditions, & enhanced professional support for psychotherapists.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Rúaidhrí O'Connor

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Letter (1)

ICP lobbied Minister Naughton TD to challenge claims that workforce shortages threaten the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot (CPS-P), argued recruitment issues stem from poor employment conditions, not sector capacity. ICP urged the Department to issue a clarifying statement, improve contracts, payment, & support, & extend session limits. ICP emphasized the scheme’s benefits & called for measures to build & retain a qualified counselling workforce for national rollout.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Hildegarde Naughton Minister (Department of Education)

Bernie McNally Secretary General (Department of Education)