Vol. 430 No. 2
89 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health his views on the recommendation of the Second Commission on the Status of Women that, where a regional rape crisis centre does not exist, the health board should establish one staffed by persons with appropriate expertise.
I am aware that the Second Commission on the Status of Women recommended that, where a rape crisis centre does not exist, health boards should establish one staffed by persons with appropriate expertise.
I recognise the valuable work being carried out by voluntary organisations who counsel and provide support to the victims of rape and sexual abuse. I am aware that there is a need to ensure that there are adequate facilities available to support these unfortunate victims. Following such traumatic experiences, victims can avail of services, both statutory and voluntary, for on-going counselling and support to deal with the trauma of the assault. Health professionals in each health board area provide psychological support services for victims of rape and sexual abuse.
I was delighted to be in a position to provide funding of £15,000 and £10,000, respectively, for the first time to the Rape Crisis Centres at Tralee and Kilkenny to assist with the establishment of services at these centres. In addition, the Eastern Health Board is also developing rape counselling services at Coolock, Blanchardstown and Clondalkin and a grant of £30,000 was allocated to the board to assist with the establishment of these services.
I can assure the Deputy that services for the unfortunate victims of rape and sexual abuse are being developed at health board level and that these services are staffed by multi-disciplinary teams of health professionals who have expertise in this area.
