Presented at the 2016 AGM, by Lucy Mullee A Brief History Presented at the 2016 AGM, by Lucy Mullee A Brief History 1

Introduction. FICTA (Federation of Irish Complementary Therapy Associations) was established in 1999 to represent the education & training interests of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners in Ireland. It is a voluntary and non-governmental organisation (NGO) and a member of EFCAM (European Forum for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) which represents the interests of non-medical CAM practitioners at the European Parliament. 2

Green Paper In November 1998, the Department of Education & Science published the Green Paper: Adult Education in an Era of Lifelong Learning. The concept of Lifelong Learning marked a critical departure from the traditional understanding of the role of education in society and its focus on a narrow range of intelligences measured by written assessments. "Our education system must continue to evolve in order to maintain quality, relevance and responsiveness in a changing world." M. Martin T.D., Minister for Ed. & Sc. 3

Consultation. The Green Paper marked the start of a wide-ranging consultation process and debate on the future of adult education in Ireland. It made the case for “ a recognition of the role of the adult educator/ trainer as a professional, and for the development of a variety of systematic training routes through which the quality and professionalism of the sector can be recognised and supported." It also referanced the development of a “qualifications framework” which we know today as the: National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) 4

Proposal. The Paper proposed mechanisms for accrediting learning that were empowering and that would address the "forces of exclusion" in the lives of participants by tackling issues of equity and inclusion. It said - "This should be an open and inclusive approach which facilitates the diversity of provision and engages tutors who lack formal qualifications, but who have a great deal of talent and commitment to contribute.” It put a lot of emphasis on improving the democratic process in society and on issues of personal and social enrichment. 5

AONTAS. Following publication of the Green Paper, AONTAS organised a conference for community education activists which Catherine Dowling and I attended. We came away from that conference convinced that the consultation process was something that all CAM practitioners should know about and be involved with. You should know that in1998 Internet Service Providers of e-mails and search engines were just getting off the ground and, like the majority of people at the time, neither of us had access to the internet or mobile phones either. 6

Contacts. Nonetheless, we set about gathering as many contacts for as many and varied complementary therapy organisations and practitioners as we could. When we had exhausted what sources were available to us ((Yellow Pages, Phone books, Magazines, etc), we set a date, booked a room and posted letters of invitation to a meeting to learn if other CAM representatives were interested in joining us in making a joint submission on behalf of CAM. We had already drafted a brief submission for our own association which was presented to that first meeting and our proposal of a joint CAM submission was agreed. 7

The Name. Some members of that initial group and some others met regularly until everyone was satisfied with our joint submission. When it came to deciding by what organisation the submission would be made in 1999, the group agreed on the title: Federation of Irish Complementary Therapy Associations. As the consultation process would be on-going and other submissions would be required, the group agreed to stay together and encourage others to join FICTA to pursue the validation and accreditation of CAM Education & Training programmes. Thank you for your attention. 8