I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 to 141, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, there are a number of published reports highlighting the ongoing needs of survivors and the lifelong difficulties they experience due to their childhood experiences in residential care.
The “Facing the Future Together” conference report produced by the Christine Buckley Centre, Caranua, and others, was launched in October 2020 and identified the following supports as being particularly important for survivors:
- medical card,
- family services,
- advocacy support,
- trauma-informed practice, and
- global support.
This report, along with other reports and outcomes of a survivor-led consultative forum, are currently being considered by my Department with input from colleagues from other Departments. Significant resources are being devoted to progressing this work which will feed into my consideration of proposals to Government in this context.
As part of the State's response to individuals experiencing distress as a result of trauma and abuse in childhood, a free, professional and confidential National Counselling Service is operated by the HSE. Full details are available at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/national-counselling-service