Brian O'Shea
Ceist:1369 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to provide a family mediation service in Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20485/03]
Written Answers. - Family Mediation Service.
In line with Government commitments, the family mediation service has been radically expanded throughout the country in recent years. Family mediation is now available from centres in Athlone, Castlebar, Cork, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick, Tralee and Wexford. There are four centres in the Dublin region in Earlsfort Terrace, head office, Tallaght, Marino and Blanchardstown. Last year the family mediation service assisted over 1,300 couples.
The future development of the family mediation service is one of the core functions of the Family Support Agency which I established on 6 May 2003. The agency will also support and promote marriage and relationship counselling services, develop the local family resource centres programme, undertake research and provide information on family issues.
The Government has allocated €17.2 million for the work of the agency in 2003. This includes specific provision for the establishment of family mediation services in Waterford and the north west. I have been advised by the Family Support Agency that premises have recently been secured in Waterford. A mediator has been identified and administrative staff are currently being sought. It is expected that the service will be opened later this year.