Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 2

Written Answers. - Well Woman Centres.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

16 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Well Woman Centre in Athlone, County Westmeath was recently obliged to close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19843/97]

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

61 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will approve the request from the Well Woman organisation for a public subvention to fund the non-profit making aspects of its work and, in particular, the helpline and public information sessions. [19844/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 61 together.

The provision of family services is in the first instance the statutory responsibility of the health board. I am aware of the current difficulties being experienced by the Well Woman Centre in Athlone but I understand it continues in operation. So far, the Midland Health Board has paid £30,000 set up costs to the Well Woman Centre, £40,000 revenue in 1996 and £30,000 to date in revenue this year. I am of the view that the Well Woman Centre provides an alternative for women in the region. I share the health board's view that it would be a matter of regret if the service should cease. I have asked the Midland Health Board to continue its efforts to find a solution to the centre's current difficulties.

As regards other aspects of its work the position is that the Well Woman Centre has received a total of £189,000 in 1997 from the Eastern Health Board in respect of a range of services, including the services in Coolock, as well as other pregnancy counselling services and research on the prevalence of chlamydia. The board is of the view that these services are adequately funded at present. I am informed that the board has various reservations about supporting the helpline and, consequently, it informed the Well Woman Centre that funding would not be available for this initiative.

In relation to information-education, I understand the Eastern Health Board's view that local groups should develop an ownership of and delivery of educational initiatives on women's health matters on an ongoing basis and I believe this may differ from the approach proposed by the Well Woman Centre.