Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Counselling Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

135 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will set up a help line or provide a direct counselling service to each family which has had the experience of a member going missing; if a service of this kind has already been offered to families; if so, if ongoing contact is being maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20483/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Health boards are in a position to offer appropriate counselling and support services to those members of a declared missing person's family who are identified as being in need of such services. The provision of these services is a matter in the first instance for each health board having regard to the needs in individual cases.