Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
28. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), and the thirteen-year delay in progressing regulation of the profession through CORU; the reasons for this delay; the actions taken by her Department to advance the process; whether she will meet with representatives of ARTI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5026/26]
View answerI am aware of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI). Athletic therapists are among the professions which have approached my department seeking regulation.
Considerations regarding proportionate regulation are complex. Regulation is applied when warranted by risks to protection of the public. Regulation should also be proportionate to those risks.
Work is underway in my department to modernise our approach to professional regulation. Officials are developing a framework to guide policy in this complex, technical area. It is timely that we update how decisions are made. The approach will be evidence and risk-based.
We also need a nuanced approach to the ways we regulate professionals. Options should include varying degrees of regulatory burden for the State and professionals. The framework will be informed by requirements under the EU Proportionality Test Directive.
This significant project requires considerable research and engagement. It is likely to take a number of years. No new professions will be regulated until the framework is in place.
Officials will hold workshops with stakeholders in the coming months. ARTI and other professional bodies representing unregulated professions will be invited to attend.
My officials have already met with ARTI on a number of occasions. They recently attended the World Federation of Athletic Therapy and Training’s World Congress. I have asked them to consider how the profession might support the public health system.
