Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Abuse.

Ivan Yates

Question:

501 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money set aside by the Government to fund organisations in the voluntary sector to help all former detainees, both male and female, of industrial schools, orphanages and similar institutions; if an organisation (details supplied) in County Wexford will be given such funding; and if so, the way in which it will be accessed and spent. [24228/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

An application for funding has recently been received on behalf of the organisation referred to in the Deputy's question and this is being examined at present in conjunction with the Department of Education and Science.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government made a total of £4 million available in May 1999, on a full year basis, to allow for the establishment of a counselling service for those who were abused while in care and £200,000 of this was set aside for central developments, including the funding of support groups. Allocations to these groups are being finalised at present and I will write to the Deputy shortly setting out the position.