Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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223. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a person has been deemed to have met the criteria for counselling with regard to counselling being provided to survivors of mother and baby institutions; the average waiting time for the first appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16952/18]

Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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224. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria for being eligible to receive counselling services with regard to counselling being provided to survivors of mother and baby institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16953/18]

Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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225. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the provisions made for those that have previous to the granting of cover under the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, been attending attend their own counsellor with regard to counselling being provided to survivors of mother and baby institutions; and if there is provision for that person to continue on the counsellor client relationship that is already in existence. [16954/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 225, inclusive, together.

Persons affected by experiences connected to mother and baby homes may wish to contact the HSE National Counselling Service (NCS) which provides free professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy services in all regions of the country.

Persons seeking access to this support and other health services can contact the HSELive team, on Low Call Telephone 1850 241850from 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday 10am-5pm on Saturdays, for further information.

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for health services is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health and the Health Service Executive. I do not have information in relation to the eligibility criteria or arrangements for access to individual health services.

With regard to the statutory Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters), it is important to recognise that the Commission is independent in the conduct of its investigations. Any arrangements with witnesses are a matter for the Commission and I have no role in this regard.

Separately, health and well-being supports is one of the specific areas to be examined through the Collaborative Forum process which I am establishing. I have appointed a selection panel and it has commenced the process to select representative members for the Forum. Participants in the Forum will identify and prioritise actions on issues of concern to them and their families.

I will engage with colleagues across Government in relation to the recommendations which emerge from the Collaborative Forum in the course of its work.