The Psychological Society of Ireland

Intent: PSI representatives met with Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the UN, including His Excellency Fergal Mythen and Mr Shane Stephens, to discuss the upcoming UN Political Declaration on NCDs and mental health. PSI highlighted priorities for mental health, advocating for the inclusion of psychology and evidence-informed approaches to influence the declaration and ensure mental health and wellbeing were appropriately reflected in global policy.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: Secure a meeting with the Minister and the HSE to address significant clinical concerns regarding the draft Autism Protocol, ensure meaningful consultation with health professionals, and advocate for a safe, high-quality, evidence-informed approach to autism assessment and intervention across the lifespan.

Methods: Letter

Intent: The PSI seeks to secure legislative reform prohibiting the use of therapy notes in legal proceedings involving sexual assault, to protect survivor confidentiality and access to psychological care. PSI aims to establish its expertise as the professional voice for psychology on this issue, influence opposition TDs to support relevant legislation, and prompt Government action on trauma-informed, rights-based policies in response to gender-based violence.

Methods: Email

Intent: The PSI seeks to secure legislative reform prohibiting the use of therapy notes in legal proceedings involving sexual assault, to protect survivor confidentiality and access to psychological care. PSI aims to establish its expertise as the professional voice for psychology on this issue, influence opposition TDs to support relevant legislation, and prompt Government action on trauma-informed, rights-based policies in response to gender-based violence.

Methods: Email

Intent: The PSI’s Special Interest Group in Trauma and Adversity (SIGTA) co-authored an open letter to five Ministers raising concerns about the use of therapy notes in rape and sexual assault trials. SIGTA highlighted that this practice undermined trauma-informed care and deterred survivors from seeking support, and called for urgent legislative and procedural reform to protect therapy notes, maintain clinical integrity, and ensure access to trauma-informed mental health services.

Methods: Letter

Intent: The discussion focused on the PSI’s position on the Bill, proposed amendments, and concerns regarding the current implementation of the Assessment of Need, including improving access, timeliness, and equity in mental health services. Engagement with Oireachtas members to ensure awareness of PSI’s position on the Mental Health Bill 2024 and the Assessment of Need policy, and to facilitate consideration of PSI’s evidence-informed recommendations during legislative and policy development.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: Engaged with Minister Carroll McNeill’s office to introduce PSI, raise awareness of public interest concerns regarding unregulated psychology and its impact on Assessment of Need, and explore cross-departmental mental health and disability issues. Promoted Ministerial participation in PSI events, including the national conference and visits to multidisciplinary services, and highlighted PSI’s role as the professional body representing psychologists.

Methods: Email

Intent: Engage with Deputy David Cullinane to raise awareness of PSI’s concerns about the lack of psychology regulation under CORU, highlighting risks to public safety and ethical standards. Seek commitment to progress statutory regulation, safeguard the public interest, and uphold professional standards. Explore opportunities for collaboration through future meetings, joint statements, media engagement, and parliamentary action to advance regulation of the profession.

Methods: Phone call, Email

Intent: PSI and other professional bodies circulated a joint letter originally sent to John Fitzmaurice of the HSE to Oireachtas members to raise concerns re the HSE’s draft Autism Assessment & Intervention Protocol. The activity aimed to ensure elected representatives were informed of professional positions, highlight issues around Tier 1 assessments and adherence to guidelines, and encourage engagement with the HSE to support safe, evidence-based, and effective implementation in the public interest.

Methods: Informal communication

Intent: Promote PSI’s position on CAMHS governance, influence policy towards shared, multidisciplinary leadership, and ensure decision-making is modern, evidence-informed, recovery-oriented, person-centred, and aligned with Irish and international standards. PSI opposed a psychiatry-only model and advocated for a shared, multidisciplinary leadership structure grounded in skills, experience, and scope of practice, referencing Irish policy, PSI statements, and international best practice.

Methods: Email