Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Counselling is provided across the health service, by both the HSE and the voluntary sector including primary care, social care and within mental health. This type of service can be provided by a range of trained health professionals and delivered to meet a clinical need at either primary or secondary care level.

The Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) Service is a national service provided under the governance framework of the National Counselling Service (NCS) within the Mental Health Division. It is being funded from the Programme for Government investment in Mental Health, to increase the access to counselling and psychotherapy and supplement existing services provided by Primary Care. Since 2012, this Government has provided funding totalling €7.5 million to develop the CIPC service. The service provides short term counselling for adults with non-complex psychological problems aged 18 and over and who hold a valid medical card. Referral into the service is by the person’s GP or other member of the Primary Care Team. The establishment of the CIPC initiative is aimed at providing a more immediate response to wider community for persons in need of counselling and advice. If deemed necessary, persons presenting with more serious crisis issues can be referred on to the appropriate HSE community mental health services.

Every effort is made to see people as quickly as possible, however, there are a number of people waiting extended periods for counselling within the CIPC service, many of whom will have specific requirements, for example can only attend on a specific day or time or may wish to be seen in a particular area. In some areas, there is particular difficulty for services accessing accommodation in which to see clients, which in turn impacts on waiting times.

The provision of a quality counselling service across both primary and secondary care will be developed further, as resources permit. I would point out that the HSE in its National Service Plan 2015 has committed to "Reviewing and improving access to psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic interventions in conjunction with the Primary Care Division" as a first step to further consolidate and direct counselling services generally.

In relation to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, as this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.