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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Bereavement Counselling Services.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

464 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 28 April 1998 the reason the two bereavement counsellors recommended for appointment to the North West Hospice have not been appointed. [18533/99]

John Perry

Ceist:

483 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to make funds available to appoint a bereavement counsellor for the North West Hospice in line with similar funded posts in other Irish hospices; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a submission has been with his office since 1997 in this regard; when a counsellor will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17845/99]

As part of the development funding which I have made available to the North-Western Health Board for hospice and palliative care services, the board has earmarked resources towards the establishment of the bereavement counselling service.

I have been advised by the North-Western Health Board that the recruitment process in respect of the appointment of two bereavement counsellors in Sligo-Leitrim and Donegal is well advanced. The Donegal post is due to be filled in November and the Sligo-Leitrim post will be filled subject to confirmation of a suitable commencement date with the appointee. The post holders will provide a wide range of bereavement counselling services, from acute hospital, to hospice, to community settings.

I understand from the North-Western Health Board that a review of the service, involving all interested parties including the North-West Hospice will be held after one year's operation.

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