asked the Minister for Health how adequate the provision of child guidance clinics throughout the various health board areas is; and, if such provision is not adequate, the action he proposes to take to correct the position.
Written Answers. - Child Guidance Clinics.
224.
The manner in which child guidance services are delivered varies from health board to health board. Four health boards have their own child guidance services and out-patient clinics are held in various towns in each area. Two health boards have arrangements whereby child psychiatrists from outside their area travel to hold clinics within their region. In another two health boards children with emotional problems are referred to the child psychiatric services in other health board areas.
A study group have examined the provision of psychiatric services and I understand that their report will be available to me shortly. This report will make recommendations on the pattern for the future development of psychiatric services including the child psychiatric service.