asked the Minister for Health if he will agree to the request of the Rape Crisis Centre to meet their representatives to discuss the centre's ongoing needs, future development and funding requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rape Crisis Centre.
90.
At the initiative of my Department, an informal working group was recently established to review the present arrangements for the assessment, management and treatment of child sexual abuse in the Eastern Health Board area. The inaugural meeting was held on 13 March. The Rape Crisis Centre is represented on the committee. Until the committee report to me I do not feel that I would be in a position to approve additional funds to support further development of existing counselling services for victims of sexual abuse. I have informed the Rape Crisis Centre of my views and have undertaken to contact them when I am in a better position to discuss the provision of the services in which they are involved.