Michael Creed
Question:1020 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the day to day management of a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 1 funded by his Department. [21231/01]
Written Answers. - Management of Centre.
The centre referred to by the Deputy is a resource and referral centre known as the Aislinn Centre for persons who have suffered insti tutional abuse. The centre was opened in October 1999 and is managed by a number of persons who were themselves victims of abuse. My Department is, together with the Department of Health and Children, involved in the support of the Aislinn Centre. This support is provided through the National Office for Victims of Abuse which pays all the running costs of the centre. I am informed that the management of the centre is satisfactory. It has provided both counselling and educational services to its members, and has in many cases assisted individuals to make enormous progress in re-building their lives. As tangible evidence of this progress, the centre only last week published a collection of short stories and poetry written and prepared by members of the centre itself. The launch of that book, which was hosted by the Taoiseach, is real evidence of the difference that the centre is making to its members, and I hope it will continue to do so into the future.