Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason he withdrew funding for counselling for survivors of abuse in industrial schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21720/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any withdrawal of funding for counselling services for survivors of institutional abuse. The National Counselling Service (NCS) was established in September 2000 to provide counselling services to those who have been abused in childhood, particularly those abused in institutional care. I understand from the HSE that counselling is provided to clients who have experienced any form of childhood abuse, be it physical, emotional, sexual or neglect. The service is free, accepts referrals directly from clients and offers choice to clients in terms of referral management. Clients are seen at 60 locations around the country. Up to the end of 2008, the National Counselling Service has seen 16,873 clients for counselling. 2596 (15%) of these have a history of institutional abuse.

In addition to the counselling services provided within the country, the HSE External Claims Committee process applications for counselling services not provided directly by the HSE. Through this service, funding has been provided to victims of abuse all over the world to allow them to avail of private psychotherapy and counselling services.

The HSE's National Counselling Service helpline has been expanded in recent times and is being closely monitored in all regions to ensure that services are in place to meet the demand.

In addition to the National Counselling Service, under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement, the religious orders agreed to provide funding for counselling services to victims of abuse to the value of €10 million. My Department has received confirmation that the religious congregations have fulfilled the terms of the Indemnity Agreement in this regard by funding such services through Faoiseamh.