Séamus Hughes
Ceist:28 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to solve the current funding crisis at the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre in view of the fact that its level of service is under threat. [9018/96]
Written Answers. - Mayo Rape Crisis Centre.
Limerick East): In line with a recommendation of the Second Commission on the Status of Women, arrangements have been put in place to ensure that secure multi-annual funding is now provided through health boards to rape crisis and sexual abuse counselling centres-services nationwide.
The Western Health Board is responsible for the delivery of health services in its functional area, which includes County Mayo, and has provided statutory funding of £20,000 in 1996 in the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre towards the provision of its services.
I understand that the centre has recently made an application to the board for funding totalling approximately £48,000 for 1996 and the board is in correspondence with representatives of the centre regarding this application.
I hope that the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and the Western Health Board will reach an agreement on the appropriate level of funding necessary for the centre to continue its service.