Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 4

Written Answers. - Counselling Services Funding.

Dick Spring

Question:

197 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if, in light of the fact that counselling services provided by the regional health boards to women who have experienced abortions are insufficient he will outline the specific plans he has to provide funding to voluntary organisations who wish to provide a timetable for the implementation of these reforms.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

Obstetrics and gynaecology services are currently available to women who wish to avail of such services in public general hospitals following pregnancy terminations abroad.

In the area of psychological services, multi-disciplinary teams of health professionals in each health area provide support services, where needed.

Victims of sexual assault and rape who become pregnant as a result of such attacks and proceed to terminate the pregnancies abroad can avail of support services both statutory and voluntary, for counselling and support to deal with the trauma of the assault and the after effects of a termination of a pregnancy, where it arises.

I am satisfied that the services provided are adequate to deal with demand at present but I do also recognise the valuable contribution of voluntary bodies in this sensitive area. In particular, I would mention the Rape Crisis Centres throughout the country which support and counsel victims of rape and sexual abuse. State funding of £152,000 for the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and £25,000 for each of the five Rape Crisis Centres located in Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Clonmel has been allocated for 1992 to ensure that the valuable work being carried out by the centres is continued.