The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is proposing that Budget 2024 is an ideal opportunity for the Government to respond to the mental health needs of the people of Ireland, exacerbated and amplified by lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The IACP’s modest and fair proposals would facilitate the equal treatment for those accessing counselling and psychotherapy services in terms of tax relief and fairness, through reform of the VAT system, for mental health professionals.
In order to address the growing need for timely access to counselling and psychotherapy services for children and young people, it is proposed that funding be provided to expand the pilot Programme of Counselling in Primary Schools to all primary and second level schools.
The proposals contained in this pre-budget submission would not only improve and increase access for individuals to essential therapeutic supports, but they would also help to alleviate the demand on an already over-burdened public mental health system.
The IACP has proposed three strategies that would help achieve its ultimate aim of establishing universal access to counselling and psychotherapy for all individuals who need help.
We're seeking the help of our Members to ensure that Counselling and Psychotherapy are represented in Budget 2024.
To read the Pre-Budget Submission in full - and to download a version of the document - please follow this link.
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Kind regards,
Nicole Mac Dermott,
Communications Supervisor, IACP
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