Seán Power
Question:10 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will provide funding to the Irish County Womens' Association in respect of its counselling. [12942/96]
Written Answers. - Counselling Service Funding.
I should explain that there had been considerable overlap in the supports provided to voluntary organisations between this Department and the health services. This overlap had not been conducive to providing coherent support for the voluntary sector or to orderly planning for delivery of social services. Arising from a review of this overlap, it was decided that the Department of Health now has responsibility for support of counselling services.
The application from the ICA for funding towards its counselling service has been the subject of discussions between my Department and the Department of Health. I understand that the Department of Health has also received an application directly from the ICA for funding for this service. I understand that the application is being considered in the Department of Health and that they will be in touch with the ICA before long in relation to the outcome of their application.