Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that more than 250 new clients have contacted the support organisation One in Four since the Ferns Report; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the Rape Crisis Centre has seen a 50% increase in calls across the country seeking help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35472/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that since the publication of the Ferns Report a significant number of additional clients have contacted One In Four and the Rape Crisis Centre. The Taoiseach and I met One in Four on Thursday last. My Department has been in contact with the HSE concerning its response to these issues. These contacts will continue including monitoring that the necessary services are provided effectively and appropriately to those who need them.

The Government responded positively to the publication of the Ferns Report and accepted all of its recommendations. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and I jointly announced the setting up of a commission of investigation which will examine these issues in the Dublin Archdiocese and as appropriate in other dioceses in the State.

The publication of the Ferns Report and associated media coverage has been a distressing experience for many individuals, both those directly affected and their immediate family members. At a time of raised public awareness many individuals feel especially vulnerable and reach out for assistance.

In each region the HSE provides a professional counselling service within the framework of the national counselling service. This service provides expert counselling and psychotherapeutic support for individuals who are victims of previous abuse. The HSE also supports the work of a number of partner agencies with a specialist skill in this area, including the Rape Crisis Centre and One in Four. The HSE provide funding for these services in the context of service level agreements. The level of service demand and usage is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. The national counselling service is a community based service for adults who were hurt by childhood abuse in Ireland. The NCS is a free, confidential service.

All counsellors employed by the national counselling service are health care professionals from clinical backgrounds such as medicine, nursing, social work and psychology. All counsellors are accredited and are committed to providing an excellent quality service. They have considerable experience in dealing with a broad range of issues including, child abuse, sexual, physical, emotional and neglect, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, guilt and shame, post traumatic stress disorder, relationship difficulties, suicidal feelings, fear, eating disorders and mental health problems. The national counselling service offers individual counselling, couple counselling, counselling for family members, group therapy and information about other services within the community.