Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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218. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if bereavement counselling services for children under 18 years of age who have been affected by the sudden death of a parent can be extended (details supplied). [40426/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency administers funding to support the provision of family counselling services. Tusla provides funding to voluntary organisations offering bereavement counselling and support for the deaths of a family member and loss through parental separation.

Bereavement counselling and supports are not restricted to children of parents who have passed away either by suicide or cancer only.

Tusla is committed to providing support to bereaved children, and with the Irish Hospice Foundation, co-funds the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network (ICBN). The ICBN aims to increase access to guidance and support services for children and young people by improving the range and the quality of bereavement supports available. The ICBN organises a Bereaved Children's Awareness Week on an annual basis.

My Department and Tusla are committed to protecting vulnerable children and families including supporting those working with grieving children and young people.