Frances Fitzgerald
Question:80 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the counselling services available to deaf children in Ireland. [9200/95]
Written Answers. - Counselling for Deaf Children.
Limerick East): I am conscious of the need for counselling services for deaf children and earlier this year I approved a grant through the Eastern Health Board of £125,000 per annum for the next three years to the National Association for the Deaf towards the establishment of a pilot family support service. The service will provide counselling and support to deaf children and their parents. Four counsellors are being recruited and they will receive training in the counselling of abuse victims and will be expected to develop competent sign language communication skills. The service will initially focus on deaf children who are in residential units attached to the schools for the deaf in Dublin.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the Review Group on Physical and Sensory Disabilty is examining all aspects of service provision for people with physical or sensory disabilities. I expect to receive the group's final report by mid-summer and any future development of services for the deaf, including counselling services, will depend on the recommendations contained therein.