Preparation for statutory registration of psychologists in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

The introduction of statutory registration for psychologists in the Republic of Ireland was largely driven by the European Union. The model of registration adopted was devised by the Irish Department of Health and implemented by the regulatory body, CORU. The professional body, the Psychological Society of Ireland, made inputs and had some influence on the model. From the 1980s onwards concerns existed about the form statutory registration might take and the consequences it might have for the profession. These concerns centred on: the lack of influence psychologists might have over their own practice and profession post registration; possible splits within the profession between practitioners and academics and between health-related and non-health psychologists; the possible lowering of professional standards; and the impact on the Society's membership of the introduction of compulsory statutory registration fees and the loss of some functions by the Society. In this article the forces that influenced sta...