Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 44:

In page 64, line 37, after "her" to insert "in an expedient manner".

Amendment No. 44 aims to ensure the provision of counselling supports to parents and relevant persons is not subject to inappropriate delays by stipulating that counselling support shall be arranged expeditiously for parents and relevant persons on application. An amendment specifying that counselling support should be provided within a specific timeframe was not accepted on Committee Stage. This version of the amendment does not specify a period within with counselling should be arranged other than to say it should be arranged immediately.

Recent reports have highlighted that many people wait well over three months to receive counselling from the HSE. It is important that such delays are not allowed to become common in this vital service for parents and relevant persons. We know it can take individuals a long time to arrive at a point at which they are ready and open to talk to a counsellor. We must ensure that when a person arrives at that point, he or she is not subject to inordinate delays. While the amendment falls short of setting out a specific timeframe, it would provide applicants with confidence that when they ask for help, it will be provided.

Amendment No. 45 seeks a report containing details on the provision of counselling services to parents and relevant persons under section 69. We are all aware of the appalling delays of many months, and far longer in many cases, experienced by those seeking counselling. Our amendment on Committee Stage, which would have ensured that counselling is delivered within three months of being sought by relevant persons, was rejected.Amendment No. 45, much like the previous one, is a compromise amendment which asks that, at the very least, a report is compiled on the counselling provision so delays in accessing counselling can be identified and action on potential delays can be incentivised. The Bill in its current form does not compel authorities to deliver counselling in an expedient manner and this needs to change in the final version of the Bill.