Vol. 543 No. 3
109 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical forensic prac titioner will be appointed for the Limerick area; his views on whether it is unacceptable that victims of rape and sexual abuse must travel to Cork for forensic examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27202/01]
I understand from the Mid-Western Health Board that the board has been in consultation with the Garda, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the local rape crisis services as to what service needs to be provided for victims of sexual abuse. The Board has committed itself to providing a facility at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick for the examination of such victims. Additionally the board provides emergency medical care and attention to victims and non-emergency medical, health and social support via its own direct services or by agencies with whom it has contracted.
