(1)  Subject to subsection (2) , the Secretary may, by notice in writing, approve a person as a counsellor for the purposes of this Act and may, by notice in writing, revoke any such approval.

(2)  The Secretary shall not approve a person as a counsellor under subsection (1) unless the person is–

(a) an officer of the Department or a person who is temporarily employed in that Department; or

(b) employed by an approved agency; or

(c) if he is not such an officer or so employed, a person who, in the opinion of the Secretary, has such qualifications and experience as are appropriate for a counsellor for the purposes of this Act.