Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills

General Scheme of the Education (Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse) Bill 2023: Discussion

Ms Carmel McDonnell Byrne:

What I mean is the health (amendment) Act card that was given to the haemophiliacs because it covers much more. There is much more involvement. It is divided into so many counties. Advocates represent each area. We are not covering the areas. Many people are stuck in the middle of nowhere and do not even know about the Christine Buckley centre. They have heard of Christine Buckley but they do not know how they can access anything. Counselling is covered by that and there is a liaison officer. That is hugely important to our people particularly with literacy problems. I am mindful that when they get prescriptions, they are afraid to ask the doctor what they have been told. They would come in and we used to colour-code their prescriptions. It is as basic as that. These are the kinds of things that could be included. It is one umbrella for all survivors of these institutions.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.