Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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186. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of persons on waiting lists to access counselling in the years 2012 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; the length of time these persons are on the waiting list; the number of sessions of counselling that each person received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12397/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) Service is a national service provided under the governance framework of the National Counselling Service (NCS) within the HSE 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.

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

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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187. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of persons on waiting lists, to access counselling specifically relating to sexual abuse, in the years 2012 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; the length of time these persons are on the waiting list; the number of sessions of counselling that each person received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12398/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As the information sought is not readily available in my Department I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.