Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1134. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding will continue to be provided to schools for counselling (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24278/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In response to the Deputy's question I wish to highlight that the Department of Education and Skills through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides assistance to all schools that experience critical incidents. As highlighted such incidents can arise if a tragedy befalls a school community.

My Department offers some counselling supports to schools through a small scale grant provision for counselling supports to children who have experienced bereavement or loss.

This grant scheme was operated in the past by the Family Support Agency (FSA) when it was established in 2003 and then subsequently to Tusla on establishment in January 2014.

Up until 2011 applications were invited through an annual public advertisement. The scheme was then capped for financial reasons and no new applications have been accepted since that time.

Those who received funding in 2011 have continued to receive an annual grant. This Counselling Grants Scheme is for a total of €245,900 annually and currently there are 64 grantees nationwide benefitting from it.

This situation will continue as is for 2018 so as to ensure the provision of counselling supports for those within the Counselling Grants Scheme.