Vol. 544 No. 1
173 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department provided funding towards the setting up of the sexual assault unit at Cork University Hospital; and if so, his Department's commitment, both in capital and revenue funding. [28110/01]
177 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department provided funding towards the setting up of the sexual assault unit at Cork University Hospital; if so, his Department's commitment in capital and in revenue funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28113/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 177 together.
Responsibility for the provision of services at Cork University Hospital rests with the Southern Health Board. My Department has not provided specific funding to the board towards the establishment of a sexual assault unit at Cork University Hospital.
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have allocated £100,000 this year to the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital towards the setting up of a sexual assault unit there. This unit is fully operational for the last few months and is accessible on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis.
174 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to ensure that forensic evidence can be taken within the region in cases of alleged rape or sexual assault in regions where there is no dedicated sexual assault unit; the specific proposals he has to address the situation where victims in the mid-west region recently had to travel to Cork to have forensic evidence taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28111/01]
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.
