Vol. 490 No. 2
186 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement outlining the proposals which he received from development funds for each of the years from 1995 to 1997 to fund or part fund a bereavement counsellor post in the North-West Hospice; his Department's response in each of these years; and the reason a request for funding of this post was refused. [10004/98]
The provision of pal-liative care services in the north-west region is a matter for the North-Western Health Board. I have been advised by the board that a working group, which included a representative of the North-West Hospice, was established to examine the most effective way of providing counselling services in the board's area. I understand that the group recommended the appointment of two bereavement counsellors. The board has assured me that the needs of the North-West Hospice will be taken into account when these posts are filled and a service plan is being finalised for the implementation of this development.
The board reports that it is planned to proceed with the advertising of these posts in the near future.
