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Mental Health Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Questions (1117)

Regina Doherty

Question:

1117. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the national Counselling in Primary Care Service will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1884/13]

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Written answers

In 2012 €5m was made available from the special allocation for Mental Health to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems who are eligible under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. It is proposed that the counselling model operated by the HSE’s North East Area and managed by the National Counselling Service (NCS) will be replicated nationally.

To implement the model nationally, an additional Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) Counsellor Co-ordinator post was allocated to each of the 10 National Counselling Services. These Counsellors will be responsible for the set up, roll out, management, monitoring and evaluation of the Model, including relationship development with GPs in their areas. They will work within the NCS, managing the referral process, to ensure that an appropriate referral and counselling match is provided to meet the needs of individuals.

Interviews for the Counsellor Co-ordinators were held in late November 2012 and the successful candidates are currently being processed for references and Garda Clearances. Following satisfactory completion of the process, start dates will be agreed with the candidates. The start date for the service in each area will vary depending on the start date of the Counsellor Co-ordinator and the availability of Counsellor Therapists.

A National Steering Group has been working continuously to develop the national guidance to ensure the consistent roll-out of the model and work is ongoing in preparing information packs for primary care teams, potential service users and GPs.

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