The Irish Association of Physical Therapists has welcomed the recent decision of the Minster for Health to introduce a new regulatory regime for Physical Therapists and Physiotherapists. The regime will see both Physical Therapists and Physiotherapists becoming regulated by CORU through the Physiotherapists Registration Board. In the future, only persons registered with CORU will be permitted to use the professional titles of Physical Therapists and Physiotherapist.
The Association recognizes that the Minister has listened to the very strong case made on behalf of Physical Therapists by our members, many of our patents and public representatives in recent months.
While some further clarification is required on the full implications of the decision for the Institute of Physical Therapy and Applied Science, the Minister has put forward a solution which protects the public interest, without putting at risk the livelihoods and practices developed over years of diligent and professional effort.
The IAPT is particularly pleased that the Ministers decision is rooted in the agreement reached with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in May 2012. The agreement was based on mutual recognition of the educational levels and clinical standards that both physical therapists and physiotherapists possess. The historic agreement upheld the ethos of both professions equally and now our attention turns to securing the future of the physical therapy ethos in Ireland.
We look forward to working with CORU in implementing this new regime.
We would like to thank all of our supporters for their invaluable contributions to the IAPT’s campaign. We also thank our representatives for their pivotal contributions; Senior Counsel, David Conlon Smyth, Barry Lennon B.L. and Niamh McKeever of DAC Beachcroft , Solicitors. Their expertise in this area has been a key component of our success.