Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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443. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the latest figures on the number of children on waiting lists for counselling services; and the average waiting time for child counselling services, by local authority or county. [30287/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Tusla, along with other agencies, provides counselling and support to children and families availing of the Agency's services. I am advised by Tusla that they do not routinely collect data in relation to the number of children on waiting lists or the average length of time they must wait to see a counsellor.

Tulsa funds a large number of counselling organisations, the majority of which are voluntary. The organisations that are funded vary enormously in size and approach. Some are dedicated counselling bodies while others provide counselling as part of a wider range of social and family services. Tusla is using the total resources available to it in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way in order to improve the well-being and outcomes for children and families.