Olwyn Enright
Ceist:180 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the nature of the service being provided by the National Counselling Service; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23562/03]
Written Answers. - Counselling Services.
Following the Taoiseach's apology in 1999 the National Counselling Service was established in September 2000 in consultation with support groups representing those abused in institutional care, to provide counselling, free of charge, to those who had experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect in childhood, particularly those who were abused in institutions.
The service is provided through the ten regional health boards, working together under the auspices of the Health Boards Executive, to deliver a nationally consistent service locally. Since its establishment almost 6,000 people have been referred to the NCS. To date the cost of providing counselling to those who, as children, were resident in institutions amounts to €17 million which includes the NCS, the provision of counselling to victims resident outside the State and to those who do not wish to avail of State funded services.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:181 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and names of organisations which are supported with financial assistance to provide counselling or advocacy services; the amount provided to each organisation each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23563/03]
Provision of this information is a matter for each health board or authority. My Department has requested the relevant chief executive officer to contact the Deputy directly to furnish all the relevant information on this expenditure.