Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the issues raised in correspondence from a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16259/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive has assigned overall co-ordinating responsibility for this matter to the Area Manager for Consumer Affairs in the North East area. The Area Manager is available to liaise with former patients or support groups on the issues raised. A professional counselling support service has been put in place by the HSE for former patients of the person concerned. The service is provided by the National Counselling Service and will continue to be made available as required. The need for additional support will also be monitored by the HSE.

The National Counselling Service is a professional, accredited and confidential counselling and psychotherapy service. Counselling is provided in a confidential and supportive setting and is available at 60 locations nationwide. Individuals may of course choose to make alternative arrangements for counselling, but this is a private matter between themselves and the provider involved.

I have referred the correspondence in question to the Health Service Executive for consideration and direct reply.