asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to set up a series of community social service centres, in close association with health and social services boards, to implement the personal social services on a family-oriented basis and to link statutory and voluntary bodies to meet social needs.
Written Answers. - Social Service Centres.
196.
I have indicated already that I regard the provision of social service centres and the unifying of voluntary and statutory effort in the community care field as key areas for action.
The Deputy will appreciate that such action necessarily involves considerable consultation and discussion between statutory and voluntary agencies. It has been made clear to health boards that I wish to see maximum co-operation between them and the voluntary bodies who are meeting social needs.
The position regarding the setting up of local social service councils, which are designed to co-ordinate statutory and voluntary effort in the provision of various services, is satisfactory. To date, more than 50 such councils have been formed throughout the country and more are in process of formation.