I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 225, inclusive, together.
Persons affected by experiences connected to mother and baby homes may wish to contact the HSE National Counselling Service (NCS) which provides free professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy services in all regions of the country.
Persons seeking access to this support and other health services can contact the HSELive team, on Low Call Telephone 1850 241850 from 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday 10am-5pm on Saturdays, for further information.
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for health services is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health and the Health Service Executive. I do not have information in relation to the eligibility criteria or arrangements for access to individual health services.
With regard to the statutory Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters), it is important to recognise that the Commission is independent in the conduct of its investigations. Any arrangements with witnesses are a matter for the Commission and I have no role in this regard.
Separately, health and well-being supports is one of the specific areas to be examined through the Collaborative Forum process which I am establishing. I have appointed a selection panel and it has commenced the process to select representative members for the Forum. Participants in the Forum will identify and prioritise actions on issues of concern to them and their families.
I will engage with colleagues across Government in relation to the recommendations which emerge from the Collaborative Forum in the course of its work.